Sarwan agrees with West Indies new discipline code

He wants to kickstart a new era with a long overdue victory over what he sees in vulnerable opponents in England.

Sarwan will begin his tenure as captain in next week's first Test against England at Lord's.

"We are in a bit of turmoil, and it is very important for this group to pull together as a team and move West Indies cricket forward," he said.

Interview: West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan

"It's not going to happen overnight - it's going to be a long process.

"Obviously we are going to miss Brian [Lara], but this is a group of young guys who are very excited."

Sarwan, 26, and his team have precious little time to prepare for this summer's four-Test series, having arrived in England on Wednesday - and with just a three-day match against Somerset scheduled before they head to Lord's.

We'll have to be very careful what we do against England - but I think they'll be a bit low on confidence as well Ramnaresh Sarwan

He believes nonetheless West Indies have sound prospects of inflicting a first series defeat on England since 1997-98.

"Of course we think we can win this series - that's why we're here," he said.

"I want to see us be positive and put in that effort which has probably been lacking in the past; if we can do that I'll be very happy."

He said both teams were struggling for form and confidence.

"Both teams are under a bit of pressure, after not playing that well in the World Cup.

"We'll have to be very careful what we do against England - but I think they'll be a bit low on confidence as well.

"They didn't do that well in the Tests in Australia, so this is an opportunity for both teams to revive themselves."

The West Indies board have been at pains to introduce a more regimented climate around their team, and Sarwan will be prepared to oversee a more disciplined approach - including an 11.30pm tour curfew.

Discipline plays a major part in sport, and sometimes you have to clamp down on that Ramnaresh Sarwan

"When we were playing at home there was speculation about guys being indisciplined," he added.

"Those rumours were unfortunate; when you are not playing well people tend to point fingers.

"I think the board realised there were perhaps one or two things that could be changed to help to take West Indies cricket forward.

"Discipline plays a major part in sport, and sometimes you have to clamp down on that.