Lara aka Pedro Collins leads WI to victory

Associated Press

Hobart, January 8:

The uniform name said Pedro Collins, but the batting was without a doubt that of Brian Lara.

Lara, the West Indies captain, made an unbeaten 116 from just 86 balls to inspire the visitors to a four-wicket victory over Australia A in a one-day cricket match on Saturday. One of Lara’s bags went missing en route to Australia, forcing him to play in gear borrowed from 12th man Collins. Lara’s innings was highlighted by a six off fast bowler Brett Lee which sailed high over the wide mid-on fence, through a tree and onto the road alongside Bellerive Oval. The West Indies also got good performances with the bat from opener Chris Gayle (40 from 32 balls) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (42) in a match the tourists needed to win after being beaten by Victoria state on Wednesday.

“Against Victoria everyone got into the 20s and nobody carried on,” said Lara after his side reached the target of 266-6 on Saturday with eight balls to spare.

“It’s very important to understand that if you get a start, if you get into the groove, you’ve got to try as much as possible to do the job yourself.” The West Indies open against Australia in Melbourne next Friday in a tri-series one-day tournament which also includes Pakistan.