West Indies’ performance mentor Brian Lara is happy with the progress of his players and expects some of them to grab the opportunity against a formidable Indian team in the upcoming two-match Test series.

The red-ball series is due to get underway on July 12 in Dominica and it will be followed by three ODIs and five T20Is.

“We have two very important Test matches which start the two-year cycle (World Test Championship) for us, it is against India. At home and away from home, they are one of the top teams in the world,” Lara said, as quoted by PTI.

“I think the guys are moving in the right direction, in terms of where we started the camp and where we are. It is just a few days off from the first match at Dominica, but it’s a young group, ably lead by Kraigg Brathwaite. But I feel that some of the guys can come into their own in this series, it is a tough opposition but I feel that’s the way we can get the best out of them,” he added.

West Indies have picked two uncapped left-handed batters - Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze - in their squad for the Test series.

Lara believes the two youngsters can make it big in international cricket as they have the right attitude and willingness to learn.

“Great capable players, young and of course, you would have loved if they had a lot more experience in the First-Class arena but looking at their style of play and attitude, I belief they do have what it takes to perform at the highest level,” the batting legend said.

“It may take some time but obviously as an international cricketer if you are entering this stage, no matter what age you enter, you got to learn very, very quickly. And, I think they have that sort of attitude to want to learn and (are) willing to listen,” he further remarked.

West Indies registered four wins and seven losses in the last WTC cycle and finished at the eighth spot.

(With PTI Inputs)