Cricket: Triangular series will be close, says Waugh

MELBOURNE - Australian captain Steve Waugh says the triangular series against West Indies and Zimbabwe will be closer than expected.

On the eve of his 300th one-day international, Waugh said both touring teams were improving while Australia, who have just completed a 5-0 test series sweep over West Indies, knew there was "more scope for surprises in one-day cricket".

"It certainly is a game that evens up the skill level," Waugh told a news conference ahead of the series opener between his team and West Indies today.

"There is no guarantee we are going to win every game but if we play to our ability the other sides are going to find it hard to beat us."

The struggling West Indies will be without veteran fast bowler Courtney Walsh, who is resting from the tournament to prepare for a five-test series against South Africa starting in the Caribbean in March.

Walsh, 38, is six wickets away from becoming the first bowler in cricket history to take 500 in tests.

West Indies, who have three additions to their squad in batsmen Laurie Williams and Sylvester Joseph and fast bowler Cameron Cuffy, have been lifted by a rare win when they beat Australia A by four wickets in a one-day match in Adelaide on Tuesday.

"It was the first significant victory we've had on tour," captain Jimmy Adams said the news conference.

"Hopefully yesterday will be a turning point for us."

With fast bowlers Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie struggling with back and hamstring injuries, Australia have unveiled Nathan Bracken, a left-arm paceman, for his international debut.

Shane Warne, who missed the test series against West Indies after breaking a finger early in the season, returns for the triangular tournament.

Pace bowling all-rounder Heath Streak, the captain, and batsman-wicketkeeper Andy Flower, are the key figures in a Zimbabwe side in buoyant mood after beating Zimbabwe 2-1 in recent limited overs series.

"Our confidence is up after our success (in New Zealand) but we know this is a big challenge," Streak said.

Zimbabwe play Australia A in a warm-up match in Brisbane on Friday and start their triangular campaign against West Indies on Saturday, also in Brisbane.

- REUTERS