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LONDON - Former West Indian cricket great Sir Viv Richards says a complacent Australia do not have the ability to repair their poor recent form in time to win the World Cup.
The Master Blaster says Australia's run of poor results at the tail end of the tri-series against England and New Zealand, and the injury to Brett Lee will contribute to stymie the favourites in the Caribbean.
"People may say that perhaps they became a bit complacent and that they'll get their act together again during this tournament," Richards said in the Evening Standard.
"But I don't think they quite have the players of the past to accomplish that.
"The attitude will be there for sure, in terms of being competitive and aggressive, but I'm not sure whether they have the quality to get back after being beaten like they were by New Zealand and England.
"That's why this World Cup is wide open.
"They have some important injuries, like Lee who is out of the tournament altogether, and will miss players who have retired.
"I'm not sure whether the quality of the those coming in is the same as some of the individuals who are missing."
Richards, who was part of the all-conquering West Indies team that played in the first three World Cup finals in 1975, 1979 and 1983, felt the host nation had improved to the point where they can be considered possible champions.
"I'm upbeat and do feel we have an opportunity in this World Cup," Richards said.
"It was more with hope than anything that I thought they might one day pick themselves up.
"But then you start to see some spirited performances and I'm happy there has been a turnaround."
- AAP
