By Nick Bryant

Richardson (right) captained the World Cup semi-finalists of 1996

Former captain Richie Richardson has scotched suggestions the West Indies will not be ready for the World Cup, which starts on 13 March.

"We do things at the last minute," he told BBC Sport.

"Most of the stadiums are still being completed, but things are being put in place and we're pretty sure that everything is going to be ready."

Organisers are still renovating existing grounds and constructing new ones to make up the 12 venues.

Building work is now taking place around-the-clock shifts to complete the Kensington Oval in Barbados, which hosts the final and was due to be finished by the end of last year.

The new Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, which replaces the much-loved Rec, is close to completion, as are the three new grandstands at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad.

Newly-laid pitches are as much as a concern as delays to the newly-constructed stadiums.

The uneven surface in Antigua has already had organisers scratching their heads, and seeding problems have been reported in Guyana.

Problems with the pitches, says Richardson, could easily negate any home-field advantage for the West Indian hosts.

"The conditions are going to be new for everyone," said the veteran of 86 Tests and 224 one-day internationals.

"A lot of West Indian players will not have played on the grounds because they are so new. So it's going to be even-stevens for everyone."

People are getting very excited, and we're looking forward to welcoming people to the Caribbean Richie Richardson

Richardson captained the Caribbean side in World Cup tournaments in 1992 and 1996, reaching the semi-final 11 years ago.

He believes his successors in the top order must be successful if West Indies are to lift the trophy they claimed in 1975 and '79.

"The guys haven't been doing that badly in one-day cricket so they have a chance just like everybody else," he says.

"Brian Lara is obviously the key man, but Chris Gayle will have to play a big role. Shivnarine Chanderpaul also has great experience."

"The bowling is the weakest department. They're going to need to get big scores to compensate for a weak bowling attack."

Richardson says his dream final would be West Indies against defending champions Australia, with Brian Lara hitting the winning runs.

His outside bet for success are the Black Caps of New Zealand.

"If you went to the Caribbean now you wouldn't think that people are really in the mood yet," he added.

"But people are getting very excited, and we're looking forward to welcoming people to the Caribbean.