India's batting collapse was the turning point: Lara

Chennai, Jan 27 (UNI) West Indies skipper Brian Lara, after winning in the third ODI against India at the M A Chidambaram here today, said the task became much easy after India let off early advantage and slumped to 268.

He said the India, which looked to set a 300 plus target at one stage, collapsed in the final overs and it helped their task.

''I think that's when we wrested the game,'' he said in the post-match newsconference.

With this win the visitors have reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the four match series.

Lara said Windies would be fielding a strong side in the fourth match at Baroda.

Praising his team-mate Samuels, the Southpaw said in the last two wins the Windies had recorded, Samuels had emerged as a top performer.

''We are trying to build a lot more match winners in the run up to the world cup. We can't be depending on one or two players,'' he said.

''In the Australian team every player is a match winner,'' Lara observed. ''We have one more game and it is crucial.'' Asked about Chanderpaul, who was rested for today's match, the skipper said, ''He had some pain in his left knee. So we decided to rest him.'' On his innings, Lara said, ''Although the attention was on Samuels, I was happy to get some runs today.'' When pointed out that he handled Anil Kumble with ease, Lara said, ''I normally play Kumble quite well. He is still a very good bowler.'' UNI