KEY POINTS:
ST JOHN'S, Antigua - West Indies captain Brian Lara believes the absence of Lou Vincent could help tip the balance of tomorrow's cricket World Cup Super Eights clash with New Zealand in the tiring home side's favour.
The New Zealand opener was ruled out of the remainder of
the tournament when he suffered a broken wrist while batting in the nets against speedster Shane Bond on Sunday (Monday NZT).
It was doubly damaging for New Zealand as Vincent was coming off a century against Canada and had proved lethal in the field, effecting three direct-hit run outs in the Black Caps' last two pool games.
Lara highlighted the impact of Vincent's withdrawal -- particularly in the field -- as the West Indies seek to regroup quickly after today's elongated 103-run loss to Australia at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
The West Indies will be back in action less than 24 hours after their ill-fated chase of the reigning world champions' 322 -- after fine weather allowed the second innings to start after it was washed out yesterday.
"Lou Vincent's absence will be a major factor," said Lara, who top scored with 77 as the West Indies fell short at 219 all out.
"He was outstanding in the field in the first round."
Hamish Marshall arrived here yesterday to replace Vincent and will be keen to prove he is no slouch inside the 30-metre circle.
Lara conceded the world's No 3 ranked one-day side was still full of confidence and a formidable unit despite Vincent's demise.
"They play the game very well and in the field, with the ball.
"When they bat, they bat in a way they give themselves an opportunity and coming off the back of not just the first round in the World Cup but also their performances against Australia in New Zealand, they are very high in confidence.
"We know it's going to be a tough job.
"They are going to be dissecting our game but we are confident we can get our act together and give a very good performance."
Lara added his team was at a disadvantage because the rain-affected match with Australia condemned them to playing three days straight.
"There's no advantage in playing one-day cricket on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. That's really tough. The only saving grace is the fact the bowlers didn't have to do anything today.
"They put their legs up and maybe ran around a bit with the bat in their hands. That's good for us.
"It's a situation we knew was a possibility and I don't think it's going to be an excuse (against New Zealand). I think the guys are looking forward to the game."
Lara described the new wicket as a "batting paradise" and was confident if his bowlers could restrict New Zealand to a score of around 250 the West Indies would be capable of adding to the two competition points they carried over from topping group D.
NZ v West Indies one-day cricket history
Played: 45; Ne w Zealand won 17, West Indies won 23, No result 5.
At the World Cup:
1975 West Indies won by 5 wickets (semifinal) at London, England
1979 West Indies won by 32 runs at Nottingham, England
1992 New Zealand won by 5 wickets at Auckland, New Zealand
1999 West Indies won by 7 wickets at Southampton, England
2003 New Zealand won by 20 runs at Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Last series:
2006 in New Zealand; New Zealand won 4-1.
- NZPA
