Cricket lovers will turn their attention to the Caribbean for the next seven weeks to cheer on their team in the World Cup.

Sixteen nations will be vying for the trophy, and it is expected there will be hundreds of brightly coloured shirts around the county as those from the Oxfordshire's spectrum of nationalities proudly show their loyalty to their home country.

The tournament 'bats off' on Tuesday when host nation West Indies take on Pakistan in Jamaica and many of those in the Caribbean community are getting ready for an extended party.

Andy Anderson, owner of Hi Lo Jamaican bar, in Cowley Road, can't wait.

He said: "It will be superb because cricket in the West Indies is the best entertainment in the world. There is wonderful music in between the tea breaks and the overs and it is a lot of fun.

"We will definitely be watching all the games and partying down at the bar.

"I think being home nation the West Indies have got a good shout."

Another fan who says he will be glued to his TV until the final on April 28 is Pakistan supporter Ijaz Sarwar, from Headington.

He said: "I've been looking forward to it for a long while. I think Pakistan are the original Jeckyll and Hyde team. They can be great on their day, but then terrible the next."

Mad-keen England cricket fan Will Dallimore, 20, of London Road, Oxford, said he thought England were in with an outside shout of coming away with the spoils.

He said: "I think England's chances are fairly good - a lot more promising after the triangular series in which we defeated both New Zealand and Australia.

"I think Australia are still favourites, but don't rule England out."

Kenyan Patrick Mukholi, from Blackbird Leys, is hopeful that his team can repeat the success they enjoyed in the last tourn- ament.

He said: "I think we could at least get to the last eight but all the big guns are out there so it might be difficult."

New Zealander Andy Henley, 27, reckons his country could be crowned both cricket and rugby world champions this year.

He said: "I think we have got a good shout of winning it. We have got some pretty good up and coming players and we are ranked third in the world."

* See Monday's Oxford Mail for all World Cup fixtures