Agence France Presse

Adelaide, January 25:

The West Indies headed into Wednesday’s tri-series match against Australia fearful that foul weather might again thwart their chances of earning a crucial win.

Captain Brian Lara said the match was a do-or-die fixture for his side, who are seeking to overcome Pakistan and gain a place in the finals against Australia.

Lara said his bowlers needed to repeat their wicket-taking start from the previous encounter between them in Brisbane last Friday. The Australians were on the ropes at 43/ 5 in reply to the West Indies’ 263/9 when the match was abandoned due to heavy rain.

But with showers and possible thunderstorms forecast for the Adelaide Oval clash on Wednesday, it may well be Australia’s third straight rain-affected match. Their win over Pakistan on Sunday was also interrupted by rain.

“It seems to be following us everywhere at the moment,” Australian captain Ricky Ponting said. “It will be frustrating if the rain does come and the storm hits.”

The Australians also have other concerns over the poor batting form of opener Matthew Hayden and big-hitter Andrew Symonds.

Allrounder Shane Watson, bowler Michael Kasprowicz and Damien Martyn were left out of the Australian team and replaced by batsman Simon Katich, spinner Brad Hogg and pace bowler Jason Gillespie.