Skipper Brian Lara [Images] believes the West Indies [Images] are "sleeping giants" and will pose a real threat at the ICC [Images] Champions Trophy in India.

Lara's team is expected to claim one of the two berths from the qualifying games starting on October 7, which also feature Sri Lanka [Images], Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Only teams ranked in the top six on April 1 were given automatic slots for the main round, which starts on October 15.

"Australia have not won this tournament, but on face value they have to start favourites along with maybe South Africa," Lara told reporters on Sunday.

"But these conditions will be testing for fast bowlers, spinners and batsmen.

"We're most likely to be targeted as well because people are aware we are sleeping giants, a team that can play against the best in the world. On our day we can outplay anyone."

Lara said that after winning the championship in 2004, it was a pity the West Indies found themselves needing to qualify this time around.

COMING TOGETHER

"We've got to try and sort this first part out and get some positives out of it."

West Indies beat India 4-1 at home and then reached the final of last month's DLF Cup tri-series in Kuala Lumpur, where they lost to Australia.

While the batsmen looked shaky, Lara said his players had benefitted from a short camp after the tournament.

"The DLF Cup was an impromptu tournament and we weren't really match fit," he said. "As the season goes on, you will see a team that is coming together and see better performances."

Lara said a good showing at the Champions Trophy would help players stake their claims for World Cup spots.

"There are a few spots in my mind that are still available," he said. "I'm sure some guys will secure their place, actually get their confidence up."

"We've got a core group of players we are settled with and that is one of the key for us in our improvement," he said.

"One of the biggest hurdles for them is to try day in and day out to do the volume of work the other countries do."

Australia, South Africa, India, New Zealand [Images], Pakistan and England [Images] earned direct entry into the main round.