HOVE, England, CMC:
WEST INDIES crossed over to the English mainland yesterday looking to get Thursday' six-wicket defeat to Ireland out of their minds in a day/night warm-up match limited-overs match against Sussex today.
West Indies' preparations for the three-nation One-day International series with England and New Zealand hit a snag, when they suffered a six-wicket defeat to unfancied Ireland.
Chasing a target of 293 to win, the Irish hit the jackpot with 19 balls to spare after some purposeful top order batting produced three half century-makers.
West Indies captain Brian Lara was very disappointed with the result that repeated a famous win for the Irish over the 1969 West Indies.
"We always respected them, but they deserve full credit because they won the game the hard way," said Lara.
"But we won't be dwelling on this and we're looking forward to a good tour."
Sussex, last year's English county champions, will be hoping they could get the better of Lara's side, as they did with Richie Richardson's in 1995.
It the last time the two sides faced off at Hove in early July 1995 and resulted in a resounding victory for Sussex by an innings and 121 runs a three-day match.
It was their first victory against the West Indians for 29 years and remains West Indies' heaviest ever defeat by an English county.
The floodlit ground and moist atmosphere will be both a challenge and a learning experience for Lara's inexperienced side and provides Sussex with the perfect chance to get the better of the visitors.
