``We are encouraged by the success of the team which defeated England in both the Test and One-Day International series here in the Caribbean earlier this year,'' Findlay said on Friday after announcing the 16-member squad under Brian Lara to tour South Africa from November.

``With the West Indies scheduled to oppose Australia at home early in 1999, and the World Cup to be played in England from May next year, the nine months between October this year and June 1999 could be a very exciting period for West Indies cricket.''

But Findlay also warned of a current drought of talent.

``We have selected what, in our opinion, are the best possible teams having given very careful consideration to the ability, performance, discipline, attitude and commitment of the available talent, which appears to be dwindling inquality,'' he said.

The West Indies will compete in the ICC Knock-out Tournament in Bangladesh in late October before beginning their five-Test tour of South Africa on Nov 10.

Squad of 16 for South Africa: Brian Lara (captain), Carl Hooper (vice-captain), Jimmy Adams, Curtly Ambrose, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Mervyn Dillon, Darren Ganga, Ridley Jacobs, Clayton Lambert, Nixon McLean, Junior Murray, Dinanath Ramnarine, Franklyn Rose, Philo Wallace, Courtney Walsh & Stuart Williams.

Squad of 14 for Bangladesh: Brian Lara (captain), Carl Hooper (vice-captain), Curtly Ambrose, Keith Arthurton, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Mervyn Dillon, Ridley Jacobs, Clayton Lambert, Rawl Lewis, Neil McGarrell, Nixon McLean, Phil Simmons, Philo Wallace & Stuart Williams.

Coach: Malcolm Marshall. Manager: Clive Lloyd. Physiotherapist: Dennis Waight.