JEROME TAYLOR has pronounced himself fit, ready, eager and confident that he can cope with the additional duty of spearheading an untested West Indies attack in the first Test against Australia, starting at The Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday (tomorrow night East Caribbean time).

"I'm fully aware the team will be looking to me to lead the attack and I'm sure I will be able to handle that responsibility," the 25-year-old Jamaican told the media after pushing himself during a three-hour practice session yesterday.

Taylor was not chosen for last week's match against Queensland, the West Indies' only preparation prior to the three, back-to-back Tests, because of what team officials described as "soreness and stiffness" after the 50-hour flight to Brisbane.

But he has had several testing workouts in the nets over the past five days.

"I'm happy with my build-up," he said. "Over the coming days I will continue to put in the work to make sure I'm fully ready for what promises to be a very good series."

In the absence through injury of Fidel Edwards (122 wickets in 43 Tests), Taylor (81 wickets in 28 Tests) is the only one of four fast bowlers in the squad with genuine Test experience.

Kemar Roach, 22, made his debut in two Tests against Bangladesh in July. Ravi Rampaul, 25, and Gavin Tonge, 26, are yet to play a Test.

After inspecting the match pitch and the lush green outfield, Taylor said he was raring to go.

"I can't wait to get out there and bowl. As a fast bowler, that's my thing . . . that's my job and I want to get into action," he said.

"If there is any life in the pitch it is a plus for us because back home in the Caribbean we are accustomed to very flat and low wickets." (TC)