England's key men

Michael Vaughan

Is it asking too much for Vaughan to repeat the fabulous form he showed during last winter's Ashes series? Not really. Now completely comfortable with the captaincy, Vaughan has looked in wonderful touch during the warm-up games and he can pulverise this West Indies attack.
Target: Two big tons, minimum.

Graham Thorpe

Keeping his back problems at bay will be a good start. But assuming he can maintain a decent level of fitness, Thorpe must take control of the middle order. If England do slip into trouble, he is the man to dig them out of it. And when they're on top, he should break West Indian hearts.
Target: A four-Test average of around 50.

Andrew Flintoff

England say that this time they will look after their big all-rounder and use his bowling only in short spurts. We'll see. But when it comes to batting , they require a couple of explosive, match-winning innings from Freddie. And there's little in the way of spin to worry him.
Target: Crash, bang and wallop the Windies.

Ashley Giles

England's senior spinner started the winter not knowing where his next wicket was coming from. But he had a grand tour of Sri Lanka and now has a huge part to play in this series. It won't all be about fast bowlers by any means and Giles could prove vital in controlling the West Indian batsmen.
Target: 15 wickets, with plenty of big 'uns.

Steve Harmison

The West Indian batsmen will try to destroy Harmison and if they succeed then England's chances of success will plummet. He has the weaponry - pace and bounce - to answer them back. But does he have the confidence and killer instinct to make his mark?
Target: To be England's undisputed strike bowler