Series against India 'final lap' before World Cup: Brian Lara

Nagpur, Jan 19 (UNI) The ODI series against India starting January 21 would be the 'last lap in terms of preparation' before the forthcoming World Cup, West Indies captain Brian Lara said today.

Talking to mediapersons at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) stadium, which will host the first game, Lara said the series would give every player in the squad an opportunity to present a case before the selectors in the run-up to the World Cup.

''Three of our players are not here because of injury or some other reason. Some members of the squad will be playing the one-day version of the game for the first time, since they mostly play four-day games back home,'' he said.

''It is good that we have come out here to play. We have a brief period of rest after the series in India, which will give the players time to revitalise (themselves) before the preparation camp for the World Cup,'' Lara added.

The series in India would also help the West Indies get a 'feel' of the opposition that they would face in the first round of the World Cup, he added.

Lara said the absence of Virendra Sehwag from the Indian squad would not make the task of his bowlers any easier.

''Sourav Ganguly, who has made a comeback to the Indian team, is a very spirited player and our fast bowlers are going to be wary of him,'' he said.

The West Indies skipper said they expected a big fight from India in the series since ''Rahul Dravid's men had come back home after losing in South Africa.'' The West Indies themselves were looking to get more consistent since the team had not been very consistent in the last few games, Lara said.

''We are confident, but the series is also an opportunity for India to turn the tables (on us). The series is going to be very competitive,'' he added.

Lara said his team had moved on from the time when he had said that he was motivated to win by India coach Greg Chappell's comment that the West Indies had 'forgotten how to win,' adding that the motivation now was to always stay on top.

Later, Lara's team had a session at the nets at the VCA stadium.

UNI