Simmons looking for improvement from bowlers

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons is hoping that his bowling unit can trump that of his South African counterparts when the two teams clash in the first of two Test matches starting on Thursday in St Lucia.

Both teams are expected to go into the first Test with their full complement of seamers, however, coach Simmons believes his fast bowling unit is well prepared for the task at hand.

"The fast bowling department has been strong for a while now. They are the ones that have kept us in the game a lot of the times, bowling out teams while that didn't seem likely. Everyone looks sharp in the nets and I think this will be a good side of our game come Thursday, "said Simmons.

The Proteas have a potent attack of their own with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje expected to lead their attack.

For Simmons, he is expecting his charges to improve one vital aspect of their game, if they are to come out on top in the series.

"I think the improvement I would like to see is our ability to get 20 wickets that we need. We did it in Bangladesh on helpful wickets, but when the wickets weren't helpful in Antigua, we struggled to do it," added Simmons.

Balance and component

In the meantime, the surface at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground is expected to assist both fast and slow bowling, and with that, the balance and component of the team will be critical.

The West Indies are expected to name their final 13-man squad today with Shai Hope expected to be named in the team to partner Kraigg Brathwaite

at the top of the order.

The middle and lower order could remain the same from the last Test against Sri Lanka, with Nkrumah Bonner keeping his place along with Kyle Mayers, Jermaine Blackwood, wicket-keeper Joshua Da Silva and Jason Holder slotting in.

Everyone will be looking to see if the selectors will retain the off-spin of Rahkeem Cornwall or bring back the proficient Roston Chase who did well with both bat and ball during the recent 'Best vs Best' four-day game.

The selectors will also be sweating over the fitness of speedster Shannon Gabriel who picked up a niggling injury during the practice game.