West Indies prepare to face X-factor Chevron

WEST Indies coach Daren Sammy said yesterday his side had plans to counter Zimbabwe' giant quick bowler Blessing Muzarabani, while admitting the 2.03m beanpole had the “X-factor”.

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The West Indies will open their Super 8 campaign at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium today against tournament surprise packages Zimbabwe, who topped a group including Sri Lanka and Australia. Muzarabani was one of the revelations of the group phase, taking nine wickets, including figures of 4/17 in the upset of Australia.

“We plan for every single player. Not only him. He's an X-factor,” Sammy said yesterday. “You've got to respect the opposition. We know the threat they bring against us, but we also know what we have to do in order for him not to be threatening against us.”

The Super 8 were pre-seeded before the tournament, so the Top 8 seeds knew in advance where they would be playing in the second phase. Only one, Australia, did not make it and were replaced by Zimbabwe.