Captain Steve Waugh believes Australia's cricketers have overcome their fatigue before the opening Test against the West Indies in Georgetown.

The Australians have been in Guyana for one week preparing for the Test series after the draining World Cup triumph in South Africa last month.

Waugh admitted some of the players were still overcoming jet lag during the three-day tour match against the Guyana Board President's XI but he was satisfied the squad was ready to play at the Bourda ground.

"You can normally tell by the fielding sessions what the mood of the camp is like and how intense everyone is and yesterday was excellent so I'm more than happy," Waugh said.

"I believe we're in a good frame of mind and the attitude has been excellent."

The Australians will be without regular selections Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Damien Martyn but they're still rated short-priced favourites to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy for a fifth time.

Australia was expected to win its last Caribbean series four years ago and victory seemed a formality until Windies captain Brian Lara unleashed two outstanding performances which ensured a 2-2 draw.

"I know there's a tough job at hand because in the last series we bowled the West Indies out for 51 in the first Test and then lost the next two Test matches," Waugh said.

"I know we have to be at our best to play well and win over here.

"There are three experienced players not in the line-up but it's a huge opportunity for younger players much in the same way that the West Indies have opportunities for younger players.

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