Langer prepares Australia for Windies pace test

London: Justin Langer has hailed the West Indies’ “Calypso cricket”, admitting they were his heroes when he was growing up as he prepares Australia to face their current battery of fast bowlers.

The two teams, who have won seven out of the 11 World Cups so far between them, meet at Trent Bridge on Thursday after both cruised to comfortable opening victories.

Head coach Langer said defending champions Australia would need to adjust their mindset to take on the West Indies quicks and other fast bowlers at the tournament in England and Wales.

“We’ve probably spent four months thinking and playing against spin bowling,” he said on Tuesday.

“We have to adapt to West Indies no doubt, who have got a number of good, fast bowlers. South Africa will be same. England will be the same. Have to adapt our game plan and adapt pretty quickly.

“Obviously a very dangerous team the way they bat and aggressive bowling, but they’ve got weaknesses as well and we’re playing pretty good cricket.” West Indies, who won the first two World Cups, in 1975 and 1979, were the dominant force in the world game for two decades and boasted a succession of world-class fast bowlers and thrilling batsmen.

“When I was a kid it was Calypso cricket, and I think we’re seeing plenty of signs of Calypso cricket,” said Langer said.

“Running and bowling fast. They’re not necessarily going to be bowling the same spot every ball, but going to be exciting to watch. They all try to hit sixes most balls so Darren Bravo’s probably a little bit more unorthodox.

“Always exciting playing the West Indies. When I was growing up they were my heroes.” Langer described veteran opener Chris Gayle, who scored 50 in the West Indies’ seven-wicket victory against Pakistan, as a “brilliant player”.

“They got a number of dangerous players,” he said.

“With him on the team they seemed to grow a leg. They take confidence from him. Again, hopefully don’t take too much confidence on Thursday.”

Agence France-Presse