Stories by EZRA STUART

CONSISTENCY, cohesion and camaraderie will be key factors if the West Indies cricketers are to conquer England in the four-match Test series which starts at Lord's on May 17.

Before leaving for England yesterday with the West Indies team, new captain Ramnaresh Sarwan called on the players to rally behind him as his main focus would be team unity.

"I think that it is very important to focus on some sort of consistency. I think that is something that we've been lacking in. We must try to get some sort of consistency going in parts of our game, especially batting and bowling, but it is important that we also play well as a team and play as a collective unit," Sarwan said in an interview at Grantley Adams International Airport.

The Windies will oppose England in four Tests at Lord's (May 17 to 21), Headingley (May 25 to 29), Old Trafford (June 7 to 11) and Riverside Ground in Durham (June 15 to 19).

And Sarwan, who is succeeding the retired Brian Lara, said he intended to take the attack to England with an aggressive brand of captaincy.

"I think it (aggressive tactics) depends on situations. Obviously, I prefer attacking, to be honest. It is part of my nature. You could see from the way I play as well. But I think, most importantly for us, is to come collectively as a group. That will be something I will be focusing on," Sarwan said.

Challenge ahead

The new captain reckoned that playing in English conditions would be a challenge for the inexperienced regional side.

"We have a few young players here and some of them haven't really played in England. I think that is going to be the biggest challenge for us and as soon as we adjust to those conditions, I think we will be able to play better," he said.

"I know for a fact it is not going to be easy but I think once I have the support of the guys, that is going to help me a great deal. We are not going to turn it around in a day or two. It is going to take some time. It is a process that we need. Once we can do that, I think we'll develop as a good team," Sarwan said.

He also said he hoped the captaincy would bring about more responsibility in him.

"Probably, that's something that I've been lacking in. Obviously, it is a new challenge, so I'm looking forward to the full support of everyone," he said.

Sarwan said the team had two meetings after assembling in Barbados on Monday and the players were looking forward to the tour.

"I think everyone is excited. Everyone seems to be in good spirits and I think it is really the way to start off the tour," he said.

ezrastuart@nationnews.com