King to favour traditional West Indies style of play

West Indies coach Bennett King has announced his intention to remain true to the traditional style of Caribbean cricket.

King, an Australian, is the first foreigner to be appointed in the role and he says he will not change the traditional approach to the game. Speaking from the pre-tour camp, he told reporters: "I certainly don't want to change their style, but I certainly want them to play that style in a much more effective and meaningful way."

He went on to speak of his admiration for the "wonderfully aggressive, flowing attacking style of cricket" favoured by West Indies, and said he would make efforts to foster this style of play as West Indies work towards the 2007 World Cup, which they will host.

King, 39, will look to use the model of Sir Garfield Sobers' style of play in particular as part of his coaching. King and Sobers are working together at the highest level as West Indies look to build on their success in the Champions Trophy in September.

"That style he (Sobers) played when he was playing is one that needs to be engendered in players everywhere, I think," King added. "He played to try and win every time and I am strong on trying to win cricket matches. He was very innovative and creative and knew the things that he could do, so those are messages I would like him to pass on to the players."

The three-week camp, which is preparation for next month's VB triangular one-day series with Pakistan and hosts Australia, was delayed owing to protracted contract negotiations with the players. The camp finally got underway on Wednesday, although five players missed the start.