‘Sky’s the limit’ for Windies as team eyes England Test sweep

The Caribbean side lead the three-match rubber 2-0 following victories by 381 runs in Barbados and by 10 wickets in Antigua.

The third and final Test gets underway at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia on Saturday.

“The sky is the limit for this side as they continue to grow,” said Drakes.

“The guys understand the legacy of West Indies cricket and they want to continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers to play the game.

“The guys are playing really good cricket. I’m really proud as a former West Indies cricketer. All kudos to the players.”

West Indies will be without captain Jason Holder who was suspended for the final Test due to his team’s slow over-rate during their victory in Antigua last week.

The 27-year-old all-rounder, who has taken seven wickets and scored 229 runs in the series, was also fined 40 percent of his match fee, while all the other Windies players were fined 20 percent each.

Opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite will skipper the side in Holder’s absence, with seamer Keemo Paul called up to replace the captain in the squad.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has also been included, despite the death of his mother during the second Test.

Despite Holder’s absence, Drakes said he was anticipating a wicket which will suit his fast bowlers.

“We are all really looking forward to playing in St Lucia. It reminds me of the wickets that were prepared for us, the West Indians, in the 1970s and ’80s.

“That’s the environment we are trying to create. The objective is to make sure we have pace. Kemar Roach has really started to mature as a bowler and Shannon Gabriel has the X-factor for us.

“I’m really excited to be part of this squad where we continue to put fear in opposition hearts.”

He added: “I wouldn’t use the words so strong to say intimidate with pace but when you have pace, as someone who played the game as a fast bowler, it gives you more options of being able outfox the batters.”

Meanwhile, England on Friday named a 12-man squad for the final Test.

Mark Wood and Keaton Jennings are in contention to play, with Ben Foakes, Chris Woakes and Jack Leach missing out from the 14-man squad in the Caribbean.