We are here to defend title, says Lara

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) Out to prove that winning the last edition was no fluke, West Indian skipper Brian Lara today said his team has come into the ICC Champions Trophy with a single-point agenda -- to successfully defend their title.

The West Indies arrived here from Kuala Lumpur last night. The title holders, alongwith Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, will play the qualifying stage of the tournament that gets underway on October 7.

After surprising everyone by winning the 2004 edition in England, the Caribbean team slumped to a new ebb and the subsequent low rankings ensured that they did not get an automatic berth in the main event.

''It's unfortunate that after winning the tournament in 2004, we are playing here to qualify for the main draw. We should've advanced bit further,'' Lara said addressing a post arrival conference here.

''Nevertheless, in a sense playing qualifiers would be a blessing in disguise. We can make to the main tournament with momentum and some match practice on our side.

''These matches are gonna be extremely important and I expect us (the team) to go into the finals and defend our trophy. We are here to win,'' Lara said.

The southpaw also handpicked Australia and South Africa as the favourites and said hosts India, despite some failures in the one-dayers of late, were serious contenders at their home turf.

''The Aussies haven't won Champions Trophy yet and this must be a thorn in their flesh. They start favourites along with South Africa.

''India also have a good chance. Yes, they have not been doing good in the one-dayers recently and any side that loses continuously loses confidence too,'' said Lara, whose side has defeated India five times in their last seven encounters.

''Having said that we must not forget that they are playing on their home turf. And considering that Sachin Tendulkar is back in the team, I tell you I would've been supporting India if I were an Indian,'' the champion batsman added.

Meanwhile, Lara admitted that the Caribbean side had to plug several loopholes and batting was still a matter of concern.

''Overall we had a good tournament in Malaysia recently. We beat both India and Australia to reach the finals. However, since we had not played competitive cricket after the home series against India, our batting was a sort of let down,'' Lara said and added, ''I want guys to settle down at their respective positions so I think we will do away with much experimentations this time.'' The batting ace, who is nearing the magical 10,000-run mark in the one-dayers, said team's success mattered to him more than personal milestones.

''The only personal milestone I'm looking forward to is to get my two hands on the trophy. I want the Caribbean cricket to be back where it belongs -- on the top,'' Lara stressed.

The southpaw was also not worried over his less-than-impressive batting record in India and said it was team's performace more than his own which mattered to him more.

''I've not played much of an ODI cricket in India. May be that could be one of the reasons (of my poor record). However, I'm not too concerned about my individual performance. Obviously, me batting well is important for the team's success. I'll try to ensure that I fit into the team's scheme of things.'' With the world cup being just six months away, Lara said the Champions Trophy would provide an opportunity for the teams to judge their potential before the showdown in the Caribbean.

He said his team with a mix a of youth and experience would get its act together before cricket's biggest extranaganza.

The team: Brian Lara (c), Ramnaresh Sarwan (v-c), Carlton Baugh (wk), Ian Bradshaw, Dwyane Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Collin Colleymore, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Runako Morton, Marlon Samuels, DR Smith, Jerome Taylor.

UNI DH PDS RK1425