WI hope for improved batting in 1st ODI against India

West Indies ODI skipper Jason Holder says it is great to have Chris Gayle in the squad, as he brings a lot of experience to the team.

"Chris Gayle has always done well over the years. It is great to have him in the squad. He always brings a lot to the team. His presence is always felt when he steps in any cricket field. We are happy to have him in the dressing room," said Holder at the pre-match conference on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday's first One-Day International against India in Guyana.

Opening batsman Gayle, at 39 the most experienced player in the team, was not named in the West Indies T20 International squad which lost the just-concluded series to India 3-0.

The West Indies failed to showcase a consolidated performance in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and won just two matches before finishing second last on the points table.

Holder said the middle-order batsmen need to take responsibility and score big runs.

"We had quite a bit time to sit back and think of how the World Cup went, and our shortcomings. I think we did not bat for longer periods of time; guys batting deep have to take responsibilities. That is the area we want to pin-point and correct. Our bowling was decent throughout the World Cup," Holder added.

After the substandard performance by the team in the World Cup, the players, he said, have come up with fresh and new ideas to improve their skills.

"Players are fresh and they have come up with different ideas and concepts to improve themselves. I think it is a matter of each and every individual to play their role and understand what is expected from them and then execute."

He said the conditions in Guyana are hot and humid but the pitch is good to bat on.

"It is very hot and humid conditions here. I think the pitch is good but a bit slow. Overall, it is a very good cricketing wicket. Last game we played here was a high-scoring encounter; stroke-play was pretty decent."