Former World champions the West Indies are considered the most high-profile side in the World Cup Qualifier with the likes of Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels in their ranks.

Windies captain Jason Holder is cautious not to take any team lightly, Porterfield understands that his side will have to be consistent if they hope to clinch one of the two available spots for the World Cup.

Holder says coming off the back of their domestic 50-over competition ensures the players are in touch and that the team can hit the ground running.

“Leading up to the first match against the United Arab Emirates, we should be more than ready when that challenge comes. We have two warm-up matches before the first tournament match, so we have been preparing well. We should not be short of cricket when that first match comes around.

“We have a very good balance, we have guys who can bowl the new ball very well and others who can take wickets in the middle overs and finish off well. In our batting we have power at the top of the order and power at the end. We also have players in the middle, who can consolidate and take over when necessary.

Holder says he does not consider his team to be the favourite, and that the team, which boasts players like upcoming batsman Shai Hope and experienced pace bowler Kemar Roach among others, has to be consistent.

“In a tournament like this we know the opponents will be fearless, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I believe every side in this tournament is dangerous and we must not take any team lightly. We will take every game as a final,” said the all-rounder.

WEST INDIES: Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels and Kesrick Williams. Stuart Law (coach)