ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Dwayne Bravo is looking to lead from the front when he takes the West Indies team into battle against Zimbabwe in the opening contest of the three-match One-Day International Series here today.

The match signals the start of the international home series 2013, and also marks a return of international cricket to the Grenada National Stadium after four years. First ball today is 9:30 am (8:30 am Jamaica Time).

Bravo said the team’s preparations over the last two days have been good, and Windies fans can expect a focused and energised home side when they face the visitors.

“We have focused on what we have to do to win games for West Indies. We have young and exciting players in our team and we are looking forward to these matches. I am happy to be captaining the West Indies team and I see it as an honour to do this job. I will bring the energy and will look to lead from the front and inspire the team to win,” Bravo said.

“We’re calling all the fans in Grenada to come out and enjoy three good matches as we look to play some good cricket and bring some entertainment to our supporters. We enjoy playing for our fans. We haven’t played here for a while, so it’s good to be back, and everyone is looking forward to what’s in store.”

The live wire all-rounder was all smiles as he spoke to members of the local and international media on Thursday afternoon when he unveiled the sparkling series trophy with Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor. The 29-year-old Bravo is now in his 10th year representing West Indies and takes over as ODI skipper in the absence of Darren Sammy.

The Windies last played in the Spice Isle back in 2009, during a Test Series against Bangladesh, and their return is being eagerly anticipated on the island. Newly elected Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has also announced a public holiday today following Tuesday’s General Elections.

“This is a brand new series for us, and we are playing at home. We are coming up against an opposition that is hungry for success and this will be a good series. It is good to be playing in front our home fans, who we know will support us. There is a public holiday and we expect a good turnout. We just want to do our part, play well, be consistent, and come out on top,” Bravo said.

SQUAD — Dwayne Bravo (Captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Narsingh Deonarine, Sunil Narine, Veerasammy Permaul, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Ramnaresh Sarwan.