King's first job will be to lead West Indies in his native Australia

King is the first foreigner to coach the West Indies, who in January are to play a one-day international tournament against hosts Australia and Pakistan.

He said: "It's a very good yardstick for myself and also for the side to play the best side in the world.

"It's easy to say, yes, I'd have liked an easier start, but seriously, no."

The West Indies will spend two days in London before travelling to Australia.

The team flew out of Barbados on Wednesday without captain Brian Lara and Guyanese players Ramnaresh Sarwan and Reon King.

Lara was given permission to join the team in London a day late while Sarwan and King were stranded in Guyana by an air traffic controllers' strike.

King also praised teenage batsman Xavier Marshall, the only newcomer in the 14-member squad.

"He's got time. He's certainly an exciting player at the crease," King said of the 18-year-old Jamaican.

"I like the fact that he likes to score off every ball he faces.

"What he does in the field as well - he's exceptional and hit the wickets a lot." King added.

The tournament begins on 14 January in Melbourne.