West Indies cricket team captain Brian Lara plays during a training session at Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan yesterday. The Pakistan and West Indies cricket teams will play a fourth one-dayer today. - Reuters

MULTAN, Pakistan (CMC):

West Indies head coach, Bennett King has defended Brian Lara's role as opener in the last One-Day International against Pakistan.

Lara was dismissed for a first-ball duck as the West Indies went on to lose the match by seven wickets under the Duckworth/Lewis method last Sunday.

NEED Strong start

"We just wanted to have a nice strong start. Brian has opened the innings for us at various stages throughout his career and performed very well," King said.

Lara averages 46 at the top of the order where he has also scored five centuries and 15 half-centuries.

Prior to last Sunday, however, he had only opened once in the last eight years when he partnered Chris Gayle during the NatWest Series in England 2004.

Chanderpaul's availability

King said the decision to use Lara again at the top of the order in today's fourth ODI in Multan hinged on Shivnarine Chanderpaul's availability.

"It is a good opportunity for him at the moment, he"s in a good frame of mind," King noted. "Whether he will open in the next game or not probably will be determined on whether Shivnarine Chanderpaul is alright to play."

West Indies currently trail 2-0 in the five-match series. The first match was abandoned due to rain.