Gayle pinpoints Akhtar as the key

The West Indies captain, Chris Gayle, has admitted that Pakistan are probably favourites going into their one-day series which kicks off tomorrow, but is confident that his recent experience in the Stanford Super Series stands his side in good stead for the future.

The series sees the return of Pakistan's explosive fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, who will play his first one-dayer for more than a year. "He is always the key factor," Gayle said. "He is a wicket-taking bowler in a strong Pakistan pace attack."

Akhtar, 33, has been battling injuries for some time but returned to the squad in August for a Twenty20 tournament in Canada. He heads a five-man pace attack for the West Indies series.

"Besides Akhtar, they have Umer Gul, and backed by a strong batting line-up they are a very tough team, but if we compete well we can sneak a win in the first game for a good start," said Gayle. "We know it will be a tough challenge because Pakistan always play well in one-day cricket and since we have not played here and Pakistan have, they have the home advantage."

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in Abu Dhabi last year, and they shared a two-match series against arch rivals India the year before.

Nevertheless, spirits in the West Indies camp are high after Gayle led an all-star team to a ten-wicket thrashing of England in the Stanford 20/20 for 20 final in Antigua earlier this month, earning millions of dollars in the process.

"Beating England was nice and we worked really hard for that. Now it's a new series and every series is important for us, no matter who the opponent is, and winning this one will give us more confidence.

"We have some exciting newcomers like Lionel Baker, who played in Canada, then we have Shawn Findlay and Brendan Nash, so these guys have an opportunity to prove themselves against [good opponents]."

Gayle's opposite number, Shoaib Malik, was hopeful Akhtar could rediscover that devastating pace which made him so dangerous a few years ago, but insisted Pakistan won't be relying solely on him.

"Akhtar is bowling in good rhythm. It is important that he performs, but we have a balanced attack, and it will be important that we play to our potential," said Malik, whose captaincy tenure is under review by the Pakistan Cricket Board. "I am as relaxed as ever and there is no captaincy pressure on me. I have my own way and always look for improvement in all areas."