CA admit Windies relief

Sutherland: Relieved

I think they'll have a renewed spirit after coming back and having had a bit of time out of the game, it's a summer of cricket that we're really looking forward to.

James Sutherland
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Cricket Australia have admitted their relief that West Indies will be touring Down Under later this month with a full-strength squad.

The West Indies Cricket Board announced on Monday that Chris Gayle will captain the squad for three Tests, five one-dayers and two T20s, starting with the first Test in Brisbane on November 26.

Senior players Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Dwayne Bravo are all included in the touring party, marking the end of a prolonged dispute over pay between players and the WICB.

The disagreement led to West Indies fielding a depleted side during Banglandesh's tour of the Caribbean and the recent ICC Champions Trophy.

"We've seen in recent times where a West Indies side has struggled against Bangladesh and others and it's a great relief to know they're going to be full strength," CA chief executive James Sutherland told reporters.

"I'm sure they'll put up a really good performance this summer.

Renewed spirit

"I think they'll have a renewed spirit after coming back and having had a bit of time out of the game, it's a summer of cricket that we're really looking forward to."

Another depleted West Indies squad would have led to a significant revenue hit in Australia, but Sutherland insisted it is more important that fans of both teams can now see the best players in action.

"What we can look forward to now is a fantastic atmosphere at matches," he said.

"Those three Test matches against the West Indies - in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth - are always, no matter who's playing, great traditional events and people come from all over the state and even all over the country to attend those matches.

"So no matter who's playing there's a great element of tradition about these games, so we expect good crowds.

"But the fact now that the West Indies are full strength means that if there was any doubt, I think that's all removed now."