Essex batsman Alastair Cook cannot wait for the winter test series agaist the West Indies to begin in earnest.

The England tourists beat a St Kitts Invitational XI by 217 runs this week, with the Essex opener hitting two half-centuries.

But with the first Test starting next Wednesday, Cook is looking forward to taking on the Windies in Jamaica.

“It is crucial you get straight into it, get acclimatised with the weather as quickly as you can, hit the ball as many times as possible and importantly get used to the wickets,” Cook told www.essexcricket.org.uk.

“If you get a chance in the middle, you have to try and take it, you can have as many tests as you want, but time in the middle is key.

“My aim is to increase my crease time and hopefully peak by the start of the First Test Match”

Cook is certainly looking forward to the tour after speaking to his England team mates.

“I heard from the players that it’s one of the best ones, especially with the support of the Barmy Army in Barbados and Antigua,” Cook added.

The West Indies will provide a stern challenge for England after their encouraging performances in New Zealand, and Alastair is aware of the threat posed by Shivnarine Chanderpaul, a rejuvenated Chris Gayle, and Ramnaresh Sarwan, who he calls the “three world-class players at the top of their order”.

And Cook sees the winter tour as important preparation for an important 12 months for the national side which includes the Ashes this summer.

England are regrouping following the sacking of coach Peter Moores and the resignation of Kevin Pietersen as captain.

Cook, who was named vice-captain to new skipper Andrew Strauss, thinks the West Indies tour will also boost the national side.