By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterWEST INDIES captain Brian Lara said rain contributed to Australia's two-run victory in their Cable & Wireless one-day international series opener at Sabina Park yesterday.
"Rain helped the bowlers, the ball swung around and moved off the seam," Lara said. "A bit of drizzly was left on it (pitch), so I think that in itself helped Australia," said Lara.
"We were settling down before the rain came and we had the run rate at six and we were looking to keep it around there," he said.
"It was disappointed, but it's just the start of the series."
The West Indies captain said to lose by two runs to the world champions was a good start and that the team was looking forward to today's second of seven matches.
Meanwhile, Australian captain Ricky Ponting credited his team's effort after the rain break.
"Ian Harvey did a pretty good job there by taking those wickets (Lara, Devon Smith, Marlon Samuels) when he did, that's what got us back in the game," Ponting said.
"If we did not pick up those wickets the game would have been really tight," said Ponting after his team's record 18th consecutive one-day victory.
Lara, the double world record holder, defended his decision to bat first, saying "we had two quick wickets, but Australia built up after that with a good partnership between Darren Lehmann, 55, and Ricky Ponting, 59. I honestly believe batting later on evening was going to be easier," Lara said.
The West Indies will still be without Jermaine Lawson for today's game, according to Lara, "I really don't see him playing, it would very difficult he could not play today and be able to play tomorrow". Lara said the decision to open with Ricardo Powell was taken by the team.
Ponting, who was surprised that teammate Ian Harvey did not get the man-of-the-match award, credited his batters for a good effort.
"We batted very well, the partnership between Darren (Lehmann) and myself along with the partnership at the end between Michael Bevan and Harvey helped. I don't think the bowling and fielding was that flush at all. We have got a bit of work to do and hopefully that will done before the next game," he said.
