'About time we win a World Cup' - Holder

West Indies made it to the quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup, but since then they have won only 8 out of 42 ODIs. Their win-loss ratio of 0.2 is the poorest out of all the teams that have played the format over the past three years.

"We have put ourselves in this situation," he told ESPNcricinfo. "We have got only ourselves to blame. We are here for a reason. Our form off late hasn't been the best. It is a matter for us to put that behind and make things right. It is something new for us. We never had to qualify for the World Cup. It will be a new challenge. All these Associates teams tend to play fearless cricket, play quite aggressive cricket, trying to taking down the bigger nations."

Considering they are going into a qualifying tournament that entertains 10 competitors but allows only two to progress, West Indies would be pleased to have some of the big players back. Chris Gayle has come off a two-year ODI hiatus in 2017. Marlon Samuels, who has a history of saving his best for World Cups, is also back in the squad having missed their most recent 50-over assignment in New Zealand.

"I must commend a guy like Chris, also a guys like Marlon, who've come here with that motivation to do well for West Indies and give us a chance to play another World Cup. As I said to the ground, it's an opportunity to finish their careers well. It's also an opportunity for guys to make a spark in their career and start their careers in the World Cup."