Lara masterminds Windies fightback
Captain Brian Lara masterminded a West Indies fightback to ensure the ICC Champions Trophy holders recorded a competitive 234 for six against Australia in Mumbai.
The brilliant left-hander dropped himself down the order to number six in an attempt to provide his side with some stability after they were dismissed for a lowly 80 in their final qualifying match against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
That move allowed Lara (71) and Runako Morton (90 not out), brought into the side after Shivnarine Chanderpaul withdrew through illness, to repair the damage after they had slipped to 63 for four.
The pair added 137 off 176 deliveries with Lara overcoming a slow start - he scored only three from his first 23 deliveries - to hit seven fours and two sixes in his 94-ball knock.
Lara, plagued by lower back problems which forced him to have a runner during the final stages of his innings, finally fell with five overs remaining when he smashed old rival Glenn McGrath straight to Andrew Symonds at cover.
But despite losing their inspirational captain, West Indies were still able to plunder 69 runs in the final 10 overs with Morton making the most of his opportunity by finishing unbeaten on 90.
