ENGLAND may be flying out to the West Indies searching for their first series victory since 1968, but Worcestershire's Tom Moody is expecting them to end their long wait for success in the Caribbean.

Despite just three wins in their last 11 series -- and two of those being early-season home victories over notoriously suspect travellers Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka and the other the recent success in Bangladesh --there is growing optimism that England can finally triumph in the West Indies.

Former Australia all-rounder Moody, now guiding the New Road club's fortunes and tipped as being a future England coach, is one of those who are confident the West Indies will be beaten during the four-Test series.

"It's going to be a close contest, but I would think that England would go into it as favourites," stressed Moody. "I believe they have as good a chance of winning in the Caribbean as they have had for some time.

"The two key men in Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose are now missing for the West Indies and over the last 12 months they have lacked penetration in their attack whereas England have some exciting bowling talent coming through.

"Depending on the fitness of various people, I would think England will find it easier to take 20 wickets over five days than the West Indies will."

But Moody believes that in all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, England have a player who is capable of winning over the crowds with his entertaining form of strokeplay and who could prove the tourists' most effective bowler during the series.

"Flintoff should bowl well there because he bowls at the stumps and across the left-handers so he will bowl across Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Wavell Hinds.

"England's biggest hurdle is obviously going to be Lara and he's found great form over the last 12 months," said Moody.