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Luckless Lara New Zealand sweeps Windies in tests, one-dayers
Posted: Tuesday January 11, 2000 09:38 AM
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Reuters) -- Brian Lara has warned his West Indian cricketers they must be ready for "a big series in England" after losing both tests and all five one-day internationals in New Zealand. West Indies completed their disastrous tour when they lost the day-night fifth and final limited overs match against New Zealand by 20 runs on Tuesday. Lara's side now returns to the Caribbean for consecutive test and one-day series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan between March 16 and May 23. The West Indies then opens a five-test tour of England at the end of May. Captain Lara said the clean sweep defeats by 2-0 and 5-0 in the tests and one-dayers respectively in New Zealand were an experience that would put his young squad "in good stead" for the challenges to come this year. He also acknowledged that Zimbabwe might now be eyeing the opportunity to beat West Indies at home. "I wouldn't say [they are] easy opposition -- I think they'd be hoping they can come to the Caribbean and upset us," Lara said after Tuesday's defeat. "It's important for us to set ourselves up well for a big series against England in England. We haven't beaten them in the last two series we've played there, and we're looking forward to it." The West Indies drew their five-test series in England in 1991 2-2 and on their next tour in 1995 they drew a six-test rubber also 2-2. Lara's team was chasing New Zealand's 302 for six off 50 overs in the final one-day game and was bowled out for 282 with one delivery left. It suffered an immediate setback, losing Ridley Jacobs to the second ball of the innings, and a rapid 30 by fellow opener Shivnarine Chanderpaul was ended by a catch behind off the first ball of left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori's spell. Adrian Griffith, given his chance at number three on his one-day debut, made 35 and Lara contributed 37 but their fall left the West Indies hopes resting mainly on Sherwin Campbell. The burden proved too much for Campbell, who had to carry a weak middle-and lower-order, but he made a worthy 71 while a succession of partners came and went. Courtney Walsh provided the final flourish, blasting 18 runs off his first five balls before being bowled off the penultimate delivery of the match. New Zealand earlier made the most of a fine batting pitch as Roger Twose (97) and Nathan Astle (85) shared a 170-run third wicket stand -- New Zealand's best in one-day matches against West Indies. Allrounder Chris Harris ensured the innings maintained its tempo with an unbeaten 37, supported effectively by Chris Cairns (24) and Craig McMillan (23).
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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