World T20: Shiny, happy cricketers

There is something about the West Indies camp. Those who do not believe in living it up will not fit in. The Caribbeans are known for their lively spirit and it reflects in their camp as well. Be it victory or defeat, they remain the same – full of life.

Even their practice sessions are are a treat to watch. Whether it is a game of football or cricket drills, one would find them enjoying whatever they do. Their matches are interesting too, not taking the big hitting skills or Sunil Narine's mystery ball into account.

Remember the fitting reply that Darren Sammy gave to Australia's James Faulkner, who had said he doesn't like West Indies. Following the close victory, the West Indians did a spontaneous Gangnam Style-jig with the crowd.

The post and pre-match press conferences of the this team are laced with wit and fun. Not once are they boring. Such has been the way of Sammy-led team, which has been in tremendous form and are the title contenders at the ICC World Twenty20.

One of West Indies most successful fast bowlers late 80s and 90s, Ian Bishop says the West Indies side's enjoyment is behind the success. "They enjoy winning and the enjoyment comes from success. It is the result of hard work for them. It is a smart team. It is not all about brute force, but it's a clever team.

"Sammy is the second most experienced Twenty20 captain and they have some clever slow bowlers and then you have Dwayne Bravo who is so experienced. There is so much happiness around in the side and they are because of hard and clever work," said Bishop.

Bishop feels that the team is peaking at the right time. "They sort have got into a better rhythm in the last five years as far as T20 cricket is concerned. However, since the title victory in Sri Lanka in 2010 they have not been consistent. But they have gelled well and are peaking at the right time. They defeated England and the condition are favouring them. They taking the pace of the ball and there is good power hitting. In all, four good teams are in the semis," said the 46-year-old.

Unlike the 70s and 80s where West Indies were a force in Test and 50 over cricket, Bishop feels that the format suits today's generation. "I am sure temperamentally where they fail in Test cricket or 50 overs cricket where the guys have to bat longer, they seem to have the concentration of that chunk in Twenty20. In this format they can express their power hitting and athleticism on the field while spinners can pace off the ball. They have found a good nick in this format," said the fast bowler.

Bishop is confident that the defending champions have the ability to retain the title. "It is possible with the team that won two years ago. Only three players – Fidel Edwards, Darren Bravo and Kieron Pollard — are missing from this squad otherwise the majority of them were a part of the winning team two years ago. They are definitely in a good position to retain the title," Bishop said.