West Indies Coach Ottis Gibson said the team will return to Sri Lanka this month for the rescheduled One-Day International series to prepare for the 2011 Cricket World Cup in Asia.
He said the matches would now be factored in to the side’s groundwork for the World Cup, as they will lead into two official warm-up games in Sri Lanka before West Indies head for the Feb. 19 to April 2 showpiece.
“That series will now represent an integral part of our preparation and build-up to the World Cup,” Gibson said.
“The intention is to get the team together as soon after we complete the Caribbean Twenty20 and get everything in place for the return to Sri Lanka,” he added.
The One-Day Internationals were rescheduled for this month after persistent rains in Sri Lanka forced the postponement. The three-match series ended in a draw because of rain.
West Indies won the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979 under legendary captain Clive Lloyd.
Gibson said proper organization and preparation could make the regional side contenders in the upcoming tournament.
