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Lara says Windies heading for winning ways

West Indies skipper Brian Lara is confident that his team will return to their winning ways in the three-nation Coca-Cola Cup in Sharjah.

''At the moment, we are a team in the making. There is a lot of young blood in the team, all out to make their presence felt,'' Lara said yesterday.

''Toronto was a big disappointment, but I hope things will change a bit this time,'' said the West Indies captain, referring to his team's defeats against India and Pakistan last month.

Lara, who slammed a 45-ball century against Bangladesh on Saturday, believed the 10-day tour ''did a lot to rebuild and regain our old form.

''I know Bangladesh is not as strong as Sri Lanka or Pakistan - the third team in the 100,000 dollar competition - but victory is victory. It gives you a faith in your abilities. I hope we can maintain the tempo at Sharjah.''

Sanath Jayasuriya, captain of a rejuvenated Sri Lanka team, was equally upbeat about his chances after their recent success over World champions Australia.

''I know it will be a tough assignment as both Pakistan and the West Indies are top teams in the world. But right now our team is combining well,'' he said after nets yesterday.

''I am getting support from all players in the team. The return of experienced Aravinda (De Silva) has given the team a fresh boost of confidence,'' said Jayasuriya, who took over from Arjuna Ranatunga after the team's debacle at the World Cup in England.

''I am not really worried about my own form. I did all right in the Test and one-day series at home against Australia, I hope I will be contributing more to the team during this tournament.''

Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram, back in the saddle after being suspended by a cricket board inquiry, said his team will be going all out to win the first prize of 50,000 dollars.

''Since the team for the forthcoming tour of Australia will be selected in Sharjah, all the boys will be keyed up to win a place in the team. We haven't played cricket for around four weeks, but I don't think we will need much time to get into the groove,'' said Akram, who has taken two hat-tricks at Sharjah.

Pakistan's attack will be handicapped by injuries to pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar and off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who were rested to enable them to recover fully for the Australian tour.

But they will still retain enough firepower to trouble the best. Akram and Waqar Younis will be joined by recalled paceman Mohammad Akram and young pacer Shabbir Ahmed, who destroyed the West Indies in Toronto.

The one-day tournament will be conducted on a round-robin basis with the teams playing each other twice and the top two sides qualifying for the final on October 22.

UNI