Ready to play again

"It's time to play cricket," Bradshaw said on Wednesday. "That's what we're here for. We have had our challenges in the past and this is another challenge. I'm excited about the possibilities."

Bradshaw, a former West Indies youth captain also expressed delight in playing for newly appointed captain, Brian Lara, who was reappointed captain of the regional side for the third time on Wednesday.

"I have played with Brian as captain before so this is nothing new. He's a good leader and has the respect of all his peers," Bradshaw said.

Meanwhile Barbados' 24-year-old fast bowler Edwards, who will be making a return to the game after a month's rest, said he's confident the team will do well under Lara's leadership.

"I'm back and I'm feeling mighty fine," Edwards said. "I have all confidence that we will do well under the leadership of Brian. The players have faith in him and he always puts faith in the players.

"It would be great for him if we can return to the top and go on to win the World Cup a year from now."

Board and players reach agreement

In the meantime, a press release from the WICB on Wednesday revealed that the WICB and WIPA have finally agreed on retainer contracts.

"We have an opportunity to turn a new page," WICB President Ken Gordon confirmed. "I want to leave as much garbage behind us at this time. We've had that for too long."

Former West Indies leg spinner and WIPA's chief executive Dinanath Ramnarine was also delighted with the contract negotiations.

"We have set out a framework to deal with disputes," Ramnarine said. "To deal with the way players and the board have a solid relationship going forward. In the past, it was ad hoc.

"This framework deals with the board and players as equal partners. Now we are equally responsible for future of West Indies cricket. He added that he was "very pleased to bring this to finality after two years."

Full squad to face Zimbabwe:
Chris Gayle, Runako Morton, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brian Lara (capt), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Smith, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Corey Collymore, Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor, Ian Bradshaw.