Champions vs Champions

Brian Lara in form

His free-flowing 116 not out saw the West Indies record a four-wicket win over Australia A in a side game. The Windies captain is in the groove and that’s bad news for the Aussie bowlers.

The backup plan

The Aussies bring the best out of Sarwan, and Chanderpaul — as was evident in the Champions Trophy final — can play the sheet anchor to perfection. In case Lara fails to fire, the backup stars need to take things in their hands.

For starters

After an extraordinary 2004, opener Chris Gayle can be expected to give the Windies a great start. Wavell Hinds needs to support Gayle and deny the Aussies early wickets.

Proven match-winners

The Champions Trophy final showed how Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw have lent solidity to the West Indies line-up. The batting skills of wicket-keeper Browne and all-rounder Bradshaw gives more solidity to the West Indies lower order. A line-up full of batsmen means any chase — however steep — is always on and a mini-collapse can be survived.

Bowling backup

Of late, their bowling has been a serious problem for the West Indies but the return of Reon King and Mervyn Dillon — who missed the Champions trophy final — can improve things. It remains the suspect area though.

An odd pair brings hope
Old hand and Rookie:

Bennett King: The former chief coach at the Australian Academy might prove to be catalyst, which the Caribbeans have been waiting for all these years. Lara has already talked about the positives emerging out of the appointment. Plus, the defection of this Aussie insider might help the West Indies pinpoint the chinks in the Aussie armour.

Xavier Marshall: The 19-year-old right-hand bat is being called the Next Big Thing in West Indies cricket. He proved his potential at the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh last year. But now comes the big test; importantly, against the best.