As the West Indies get ready for the start of the first Test, the entire touring party is aware that this is a very important series. There are also seven one-dayers that will provide crucial preparation for the World Cup, which is only a couple of months away.

The absence of Brian Lara is very disappointing for us, because we all know of his exploits as well as what he is capable of. Having said that, I personally would not view it as a blow to the team, since his absence can also be seen as a golden opportunity for one of the youngsters to come of age.

Players like Ramnaresh Sarwan, Marlon Samuels, Wavell Hinds, Ryan Hinds and Chris Gayle can grab this opening with both hands and leave their mark on the series. In the absence of the senior pro, it will be a great chance for a couple of them to leave Indian shores with their reputations enhanced. In my role as selector, I know that these guys have an abundance of talent, and I have full confidence that they will prove themselves given the opportunity.

Having made my debut in India, I know what it is to be a young cricketer here. The sheer enthusiasm that the game invokes in India is a revelation for any youngster touring these parts. Fortunately for players like Jermaine Lawson and Darren Powell, there are a few seniors in the side like Carl Hooper and Shivnarine Chanderpaul who will help them along. Having been in an identical situation, I too can tell them what to expect and what not to expect. Interestingly, West Indians who made their debut in India have often gone on to become greats. Both Gordon Greenidge and Malcolm Marshall made their debut in Bangalore, and later went on to become household names.

These youngsters too have plenty of potential. They are young, willing learners and could form the core for the new generation of West Indian cricketers. Having been around them for some time, I must say that they have shown a good attitude to the challenges that await them on the slow pitches of India.

The pitch at the Wankhede Stadium looks hard and moist at present, but I think that hardness will soon break up and the spinners will have a big role to play. Hopefully, the moisture will stay on the wicket for some time, because if it does there could be something in it for the first hour, after which it will lapse back into being the Wankhede wicket of old.

Bangalore afforded us a perfect opportunity to prepare, and the entire team is acclimatised on the eve of the first Test. There was a little concern about a knee injury Carl Hooper sustained on Monday, but like a true competitor he is readying himself for the game. Hooper belongs to the old brigade and likes to go about his preparation quietly. He is not the sort to shirk his responsibility, and will be looking forward to his 100th Test. Being a member of the old brigade myself, I know he will not let minor setbacks come in the way of his playing.

Hooper reaching this landmark is all the more remarkable considering he had prematurely retired from the game three years ago. No one had tried to understand why he left at the time, but fortunately for West Indian cricket, he reversed his decision and came back. Since then he has made a tremendous impact on the game, and his captaincy is a huge plus for our side. In the absence of Lara, I hope he will be able to replicate the form he displayed against India in the West Indies earlier this year.

Other Articles by Vivian Richards:

• Indians outclassed in all departments at Vijayawada (26 November 2002)
• Too many crucial catches have been dropped (24 November 2002)
• Ganguly's absence could hit the Indians hard (21 November 2002)
• Gayle put me in mind of Lloyd (18 November 2002)
• A Sarwan century would be the icing on the cake (15 November 2002)
• The West Indies must carry their momentum (9 November 2002)
• A crucial series for the fringe players (5 November 2002)
• The West Indies playing for pride (30 October 2002)
• Getting Dravid out early is crucial for the West Indies (17 October 2002)
• Indian tour a golden opportunity for youngsters (9 October 2002)

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