ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – West Indies Cricket Board chief executive Ernest Hilaire believes the 2010 Home series against Zimbabwe and South Africa will provide the ideal opportunity for fringe players to make their mark.

Hilaire, who was appointed to the post earlier this year, was speaking following the announcement of the fixtures for the 2010 fixtures on Saturday.

“The West Indies team has some outstanding core players as well as a number of young players on the horizon who will be eager to break into the team and be recognised on the international stage,” said Hilaire.

“The upcoming Digicel Series will be a good chance for them to stand up and be counted. Caribbean fans will be delighted to see their team on the field as they strive for victory and move up the ICC’s international rankings.”

West Indies will play three Test matches, 10 One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals in the first half of 2010 which also includes the ICC World Twenty20 Championship.

They will face Zimbabwe in five One-Day Internationals and a T20I starting February 28 before clashing with South Africa in three Tests, five ODIs and one T20I beginning May 17.

Hilaire said South Africa’s tour of the Caribbean would be a highpoint of the Home season.

“2010 promises to be an exciting season of cricket for fans and supporters of West Indies cricket,” said the top WICB official.

“The Digicel Series 2010 will feature the South Africans — one of the best teams in world cricket with some of the best players in the modern game on their side. We will also be hosting Zimbabwe for limited-overs matches and this promises to be an exciting series as well.”

Hilaire said the season would see the WICB moving to do things differently, in an attempt to reach out to the spectators and key members of the Caribbean public.

“At the WICB we will be looking to bring some innovations throughout the season as we reach out to our fans and other stakeholders,” he noted.

“We urge all lovers of Windies cricket to come out and enjoy every match as they support the ‘home boys’ and ‘rally round the West Indies.”