St John’s: The West Indies and Zimbabwe kick off their seven-match ODI series here on Saturday at the Antigua Recreation Ground with plenty to prove to themselves and the rest of the world.

The West Indies, languishing at No. 8 on the ICC’s ODI rankings list, will be looking to transform their fortunes in the shorter version of the game in which they have won just three of their last 18 matches since lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in England two years ago.

Zimbabwe, ranked No. 9, are looking to consolidate after having lost most of their top players over the past year or two.

West Indies captain Brian Lara recognises the Champions Trophy triumph is just a memory but is also optimistic of the future.

“I think we have to accept our position in international cricket, that we are two or three from the bottom in Tests and ODIs, and I think we have to build a team accordingly that will allow us to climb back to the top of world cricket,” he said.

“I think the expectation during these years of decline has been that some time we will turn the corner and we will head right back up to the top immediately. This has not come to fruition, but I think what we have is a group of exciting players.”

(AFP)