Australia, under the inspirational leadership of stylish batsman Ricky Ponting, have won their last 19 One-Day Internationals, including all 11 matches in their successful title defence of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

But the West Indies, who have also lost their last nine One-Day encounters against the Aussies, will be hoping for an improved batting display, following an inept performance at Sabina Park last weekend when they were routed for a modest score of 163.

“It will be a tough order but we are not out of the series by any means. We just need to improve our batting, especially at the top where one of the first three batsmen has to get a big score,” Lara said.

“We are looking for someone in the top three to bat right through the innings. That is the only way you are going to get a proper total on the scoreboard,” added Lara.

With attacking left-handed Jamaican batsman Wavell Hinds being added to the squad, the West Indies are likely to make a couple of changes to the team which played in the first two matches.

Hinds is likely to replace rookie Grenadian opener Devon Smith even though there is a school of thought that he can also be asked to perform wicket-keeping duties in place of his young compatriot Carlton Baugh.

The West Indies’ bowling attack has generally lacked penetration in both matches and a couple of changes are likely in that department.

Experienced seam bowler Vasbert Drakes appears jaded, following a heavy workload in both the World Cup and four-Test series and may be given a rest, allowing Jamaican all-rounder David Bernard to make his One-Day debut.

Another option for the West Indies as they search for the right combination of bowlers would be the inclusion of diminutive Barbadian off-spinning all-rounder Ryan Hurley, who is also a brilliant fielder, for his maiden One-Day cap.

“We need to find the right balance and a group of individuals that can restrict the Australian scoring as well as to take some early wickets.

That is the only way we can put them under pressure,” Lara noted.

But a tough-talking Ponting has warned the West Indies it will be business as usual for the rest of the One-Day series.

“Nothing will change. We are going to keep going about our business in the same way as we normally do, get ourselves well-prepared and then hope to execute our skills on the day,” Ponting warned.

Even though admitting the Australians have not discussed a complete series whitewash, Ponting revealed that he told his troops at a team meeting he would like their undefeated streak to continue.

“That (whitewash) will be nice if that happens but once again there is a lot of hard work that goes into winning that many games in cricket in a row,” Ponting said.

“What we have achieved is outstanding and I would like to see the run continue a bit longer,” said Ponting.

Revealing the Australians are very thorough in their planning, the Tasmanian said to be successful in One-Day cricket, every little area of the game matters.

“If we keep paying attention to detail and all the little things in the finer detail of One-Day cricket, those results would take care anyway,” reckoned Ponting.

“This side is one that does tend to put in a lot of hard work in our preparations, make sure that we are ready for every game,” he added.

Australia are expected to field the same team which defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the second ODI unless all-rounder Ian Harvey or middle order batsman Darren Lehmann make a speedy recovery.

Should Harvey recover from his stomach ailment, the Australians may continue their policy of rotating a fast bowler with Brett Lee, who has done a lot of bowling on tour, getting a rest.

It will be a straight swap with Lehmann returning for Jimmy Maher, who had replaced him in the last match.

Teams:
West Indies (from) - Brian Lara (captain), Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Wavell Hinds, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Marlon Samuels, Ricardo Powell, Omari Banks, Carlton Baugh, David Bernard, Ryan Hurley, Vasbert Drakes, Mervyn Dillon, Corey Collymore.