Captain Hooper said yesterday his side had been slowly improving in recent years following a rapid slide in standing, and that Sunday's thrilling three-run victory in Cape Town was proof the work was starting to pay dividends.

``The changes have been happening for years but you're only just beginning to see the results and where we want to get to as a team,'' Hooper told a news conference before today's Pool B match with New Zealand.

``There's been a lot of hard work done over the years, a lot of trial and error, and a lot of disappointments but we're more or less now beginning to play as a team.''

West Indies won the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979 and were runners-up in 1983 but have not reached the final since.

They were given little hope of ending their poor run coming into this year's tournament but their dramatic win over South Africa, second favourites behind Australia to win the title, showed they were serious contenders.

``It did a lot for our boys. I think it was good to get a victory, not only to get the victory but the manner in which it was done,'' said Hooper.

``We could easily have crumbled first up after the first hour of the game but, towards the end of the game, I thought we actually showed a lot of bottle and nerve to come through in the end.

``We're actually beginning to believe that we can do it, get ourselves into positions and then finish the job. I think that's good to see and we should get stronger as the competition goes on.''

Despite his team's opening win, Hooper said his players had to be wary of underestimating New Zealand, who slipped to a disappointing 47-run loss to Sri Lanka in their opening match in Bloemfontein.

``I think it gives us a slight edge but it's important not to be complacent. We've had recent clashes with New Zealand in the Caribbean so we know how good a side they are,'' Hooper said.

``I think, while they'll probably be a little bit under pressure to win this game, they've had time to regroup and come at us so we've got to be well-prepared for the game and to guard against complacency.''

Hooper says Lara back to his best
By Julian Linden
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, (Reuters) - Brian Lara's match-winning century against South Africa could signal the start of another golden run for the left-handed batsman, West Indies captain Carl Hopper said yesterday.

Lara, who holds the world record for the highest individual scores in both Test (375) and first-class (501) cricket, has a habit of stringing together spectacular scores and Hooper hopes his majestic 116 in Cape Town on Sunday will trigger another streak.

``Brian is a world-class player and I think the earlier he can get (back in form) in these games, the better it is for us,'' Hooper told a news conference on the eve of today’s Group B match with New Zealand.

``He's got the ability to win games with his bat as he did against South Africa.''

The Trinidadian hadn't played an international match before this week since suffering a mystery illness during the ICC Champions Trophy in September.

He fought his way back into the squad for the World Cup and despite some reservations about his lack of match practice he was selected to bat in the vital position of first wicket down.

``I think one of the good things the selectors have done is ask him to bat at number three,'' Hooper said.

``I think that instils a lot of confidence in any player if the management trusts you, especially when there have been young players doing well in recent tours.

``That was very important, especially when he's been away from the game as long as he is.''

Lara was once the most feared player in international cricket and although he is no longer regarded as the world's premier batsman, his reputation is still intact as a highly dangerous performer.

Hooper said West Indies had shown they could win without him but he still gave them a vital psychological edge when he was on song.

``Having Brian back is just an extra plus for the opposition to think about,'' Hooper said.