KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

Darren Sammy said West Indies would be looking to put the brouhaha over Chris Gayle's omission behind them, and focus on winning the first Test against India, starting today at Sabina Park.

The West Indies captain disclosed that the players had approached the delicate matter of Gayle's non-selection in a very mature manner, and it had not become too much of a distraction during their preparations for the game.

"The guys have gone about their business, not only for this Test match, but the entire series, in a very professional way for the cause of representing the West Indies team," said Sammy on the eve of the Test.

"The fighting spirit has been evident in the team throughout the one-day international series, and hopefully, we can take this into the Test.

"[The Gayle issue] is a matter beyond our control, so we the players can only just go out there, and do what we have to do, which is to represent the West Indies team."

Sammy said Jamaica was still a good place for West Indies to play, hoping that the typically vocal crowd and a helpful pitch would play their part in his side starting the series with a victory.

"Historically, we have always done well in Jamaica. The crowd is very critical. If you are not doing well, they would let you know."

West Indies have won five of their last nine Tests at the ground, but India scored one of four victories by a visiting team five years ago under Rahul Dravid, breaking a 35-year drought for a series victory in the Caribbean.

stamp authority

India will again be looking to stamp their authority, and live up to their claim of being the World number one.

They have fortified their side with the arrival of a number of players, including World Cup and Indian Premier League-winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The batting looked more formidable with Rahul Dravid and vice-captain V.V.S. Laxman, and they have also boosted their bowling options with Pragyan Ojha.

Dhoni said he expected a lively challenge from West Indies, particularly with the pitch promising to help the home team's fast bowlers.

"That's what Test cricket is all about," he said. "You have to negotiate good bowlers and balls, and as a batsman, you need to push the bowlers to bowl into your zone.