Clive Lloyd lifted the first ever World Cup for West Indies in 1975

Once the drubbers of all who came before them, the West Indies have succumbed to something close to the whipping boys of world cricket.

Hit by politicking, lack of funds and a split between the players and board, West Indies cricket is at its nadir.

Successive winners of the competition's first two tournaments, the West Indies are highly unlikely to add their third title on the subcontinent. Gone are the halcyon days of Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd, Joel Garner, Michael Holding and Andy Roberts, all of whom contributed to World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979. Their last appearance in a World Cup final was in 1983 when they were stunned by India's unlikely victory at Lord's. Not even a World Cup on home soil could revive their ailing fortunes in 2007.

The fourth captain in as many years, Darren Sammy might have the most thankless job in cricket. The Windies have not won a one-day international against one of the nine other Test-playing nations in 21 matches. The amiable 27-year-old is the first St Lucian to play for the West Indies - let alone captain the Caribbean side. Although his all-round skills can hardly compare with Jacques Kallis, Sammy has been a consistent performer in a thoroughly inconsistent West Indian team.

Chris Gayle hit a six so long for Western Australia in a Twenty20 match in January, it left one commentator in awe, proclaiming: "Anything that travels that far should have a flight attendant!" He's the fifth highest six-hitter in one-day international cricket and on his day is capable of decimating any bowling attack in the world. But even he isn't sure when that day is.

Watch Chris Gayle's six sixes against Australia at the World Twenty20 in 2009 (UK users only)

If the likes of Gayle, big-hitting Kieron Pollard and fast bowler Kemar Roach hit their straps at the same time, the West Indies are a serious proposition. But their performances have been riddled with inconsistencies which make any genuine prospects of silverware very remote indeed. Three important players picked up injuries in the early stages of the tournament.

West Indies squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, Nikita Miller, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas*, Kirk Edwards*, Devendra Bishoo*.

* Called up as replacements for Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh and Dwayne Bravo.

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