by PHILIP SPOONER

COURTNEY WALSH believes the West Indies selectors have picked a very good team to challenge for the Cricket World Cup (CWC).

However, there is one thing he would have done differently.

Walsh, the former fast bowler who was the first man to 500 Test wickets, would have found room for a "shock" bowler, "a guy with pace who could hustle the opposition".

"Cuddy", as Walsh is affectionately known, noted that genuine pace had the ability to unsettle even
the best of batsmen.

"I want to applaud the selectors for doing what I think is a very good job in assembling a good crop of players who I believe will do the Caribbean very proud as we host the World Cup," he said at Kensington Oval last Saturday.

"I would have included a shock bowler, someone with maximum effect. When I look around I would have gone for someone like Fidel [Edwards], who could push people back in those early overs."

Edwards, the slim Barbadian with the slinging action, has been listed among the five reserves for the World Cup. Last week when the team was named, convenor of selectors Gordon Greenidge said he was in the frame, but suffered from the fact he had little opportunity in the Barbados team this regional season.

"We have a top batting side and bowlers who are steady and can handle the pressure situation," Walsh said. "I believe we have a team that is big on confidence."

In his amazing career Walsh played 17 years for the Windies, including in three World Cups – 1987 in India and Pakistan, 1996 in Asia, and 1999 in England. In 1996 he was in the side which reached the semi-finals before losing to Australia.

He told the DAILY NATION he was a "true supporter" of the West Indies team and was hoping to be around the preparation camp slated for later this week in Jamaica.

"I'm a true supporter of the West Indies team and I think we have picked a young, exciting crop of players who will do us proud," he said. "I don't just believe they will do well, I believe they have what it takes to win the World Cup.

"The camp will serve a useful purpose. A lot is resting on their shoulders, but we have the right formula at the right time, in the right place."

The West Indies are in Group D for the first round of the World Cup. They will play alongside Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.