LaraTHE AUSTRALIAN cricket team's successful tour of the West Indies ends today at Queen's Park in Grenada.
With the visitors having already claimed the Test series 3-1 and holding an untouchable 4-2 lead in the best-of-seven one-day series, there appears little to play for but pride when the long-time arch-rivals take to the field.
However, West Indies captain Brian Lara and his Australian counterpart, Ricky Ponting, - after the Aussies had won the first four one-day games and sealed the series said - to motivate their respective sides that it was best-of-three from then on.
The Windies, with the pressure off, responded by winning in Trinidad and Grenada to clinch that 'series'.
Hence, today it is now a straight KO encounter and both teams will be going for the jugular - the West Indies to sustain momentum going into the forthcoming one-day series with Sri Lanka and the Australians to end a fine tour on a winning note.
Over the course of the past six one-day games it has basically been a battle between the young and talented West Indian batting line-up against the best bowling attack in the world.
The hosts, realising their bowling deficiencies, have stacked the batting while the visitors stuck basically to their World Cup winning foundation of four legitimate bowlers, two all-rounders (not including 'keeper Adam Gilchrist) and five batsmen (including Gilchrist).
Little is expected to change today with the West Indies appearing only likely to drop Jamaican all-rounder David Bernard for a spinner; either Omari Banks or Ryan Hurley.
The Australians, with some of their cast apparently already with an eye on the long plane ride home, will probably rest the unimpressive Jimmy Maher and give his batting spot to promising New South Wales youngster Michael Clarke.
Veteran bowler Glenn McGrath could also receive consideration, if fit, over workhorse Andy Bichel.
