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West Indian captain Nicholas Pooran says he wants to be the best T20 batsman in the world ahead of their clash with Australia on the Gold Coast.

West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran is drawing inspiration from one of his most destructive innings ahead of the T20 showdown with Australia at Metricon Stadium.

In 2020 the left-hander plundered 65 from 26 deliveries for Melbourne Stars against Sydney Sixers in a 125-run partnership with Glenn Maxwell in the BBL at the same venue.

"I think that was one of my best T20 innings. I always will remember that," he said.

"Being out here with Maxi (Maxwell) helped a lot. He knows how to steal the show. That day I enjoyed myself and everything fell into place."

Australian captain Aaron Finch said Pooran was "as good as anyone in the world on his day", a complement Pooran intends to live up to on Wednesday night on the Gold Coast.

"That is a nice complement. I will take it. I am a hard worker and I want to be the best in the world," he said.

"In order to be the best in the world you have to have a process and a journey. This is a tournament I really want to do well in."

After two T20 games against Australia, the West Indies must finish in the top two in Pool B of their qualifying matches to play in the World Cup. They have been drawn with Ireland, Scotland and Zimbabwe.

Their task has only got harder with news West Indies opener Shimron Hetmyer will miss the World Cup after missing his flight to Australia on Monday.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) director of cricket Jimmy Adams said in a statement Hetmyer's flight had already been rescheduled due to family reasons but added "it was made clear to him that if there was any further delays and issues with his travel to Australia then we would have no choice but to replace him in the squad".

Pooran was reluctant to speak on the matter except to say "there are consequences for your actions".

He said Hetmyer's replacement, 34-year-old right-hander Shamarh Brooks, had been in strong form in the Caribbean Premier League and would have a "vital role" to play.