Cricket: We'll win 4-1, says Gayle

West Indies captain Chris Gayle has boldly predicted a 4-1 win over Australia in the one-day cricket series, which starts today at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Buoyed by thumping 146 from 89 balls in Thursday's warm-up win over the Prime Minister's 11 in Canberra, Gayle said his side had no reason to fear Australia despite their strong recent form.

"It's not [intimidating], to be honest with you, we're going to beat them 4-1 so not to worry," he said yesterday.

The West Indies are missing a glut of experienced players through injury - including bowlers Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor and allrounder Dwayne Bravo.

The batting has also been hit but Gayle said this series provided the chance for the region's young players to shine.

"We are without two key batsmen, Shiv [Chanderpaul] and [Ramnaresh] Sarwan but this is a chance for other players to grab the opportunity and make a name. It will be a challenging tour but I know we are capable of winning.

Gayle said he is fully motivated for the upcoming limited-overs series.

It's been a over a month since the West Indies returned home after being beaten 2-0 in the three-test series in Australia.

Gayle, however, stayed behind to represent Queensland Bulls in the Twenty20 Big Bash.

In anticipation of facing Australia again he said: " I am feeling really good. I'm happy to be back in the groove and representing the West Indies.".

With so many injuries, the West Indies have been forced to turn to more untested players. Fast bowler Kemar Roach has played just seven one-day internationals, while fellow seamer Ravi Rampaul has played 36 games over a six-year span.

Another paceman Gavin Tonge has managed just five.

However, Gayle believes the unit possess enough quality and backed them to perform against the in-form Australians.

"The Aussies are a good team and they played well against Pakistan, but they are beatable," he said. "We have been watching the series and we have seen what the Australians have to offer.

"On our side we have a lot to offer. We have depth, and we have players who are capable match-winners. Everyone knows what is required."

Bravo, who has been in the country representing Victoria in the Twenty20 Big Bash, broke his right thumb while batting against Tasmania on January 15 and the injury was more serious than anticipated, meaning he will now miss the entire one-day series.

The team's management was waiting for the results of a test on Bravo's finger to determine if he will remain with the squad.

The West Indies are back in Australia for five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals after losing a three-test series in November/December last year.