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Richardson Plays Lazarus To Relaunch Windies' Cup Hopes

Jaipur, India, March 4 - Richie Richardson and Brian Lara came back from the dead here on Monday to inspire the West Indies to dramatic four-wicket victory over Australia that looks sure to save their World Cup campaign.

Richardson, who said he would accept the sack only the day before after a disastrous series of results, was still at the crease, undefeated on 93, when Australia's total of 229 for six was overhauled with seven balls to spare.

The group A victory over Mark Taylor's side was almost as big a shock as the West Indian defeat to cup qualifiers Kenya earlier in the tournament.

Richardson, the victim of constant criticism for weeks, could not raise a smile as he accepted the man of the match award.

But the team's broken spirit had clearly been restored as player after player congratulated the skipper.

Richardson said: ``If we can beat Australia, which is the best team in the competition, we can beat anyone. No one is going to underestimate us again.

``The Kenyan game is history, we have put it behind us. If you struggle hard enough, success will come. The boys were more focussed on the game and it showed on the field.''

The victory enabled the West Indies to finish alongside India on four points, two ahead of Zimbabwe and Kenya.

With Sri Lanka and Australia already sure of a place in the next round, the remaining two quarter-final berths in the group will be decided after Wednesday's matches between India and Zimbabwe and Kenya and Sri Lanka.

But the West Indies and India, even if caught, hold a crucial run-rate advantage that should see them through.

Richardson's 87-run stand with Lara -- the man tipped to succeed him and who reportedly fell out with him last year -- was hugely symbolic.

Australia, whose key contribution came from century-maker Ricky Ponting, had never really recovered from a baptism of fire from pacemen Curtly Ambrose -- who bowled four maidens in his first five overs -- and Courtney Walsh.

But the Richardson-Lara double act was to prove the highlight. Lara hit seven boundaries in a classy 60 off 70 balls before sweeping off-spinner Mark Waugh down Glenn McGrath's throat at deep square leg.

From 113 for two, the West Indies slumped to 196 for six as Shivnarine Chanderpaul (10) and Keith Arthurton fell to Waugh and Roger Harper (22) was trapped leg before by Paul Reiffel.

But left-handed Adams kept Richardson company till the end as 28,000 spectators at the Sawai Man Singh stadium burst crackers to celebrate the West Indian revival.

Ponting's 102 was his maiden international century, characterised by superb footwork and back-foot strokes.

He shared a 110-run stand for the third wicket with Steve Waugh (57) to boost Australia's score after they were struggling at 84-2 by the 26th over.

Ponting, a product of the Australian cricket academy, hit five boundaries and a six.

But skipper Mark Taylor will not have been happy with the end of the Australian innings, with 29 runs from the last five overs and Ponting, Michael Bevan and Ian Healy run out.

Richardson said: ``We have hit back well. It shows that we are capable of winning despite what the others think.

``I was happy finally getting my touch back. No one likes to have a poor run and I believe I am out of it now. Brian also played very well, which augurs well for the team.''

Australian captain Mark Taylor, who sportingly admitted grounding a catch off Courtney Browne in the first over of the West Indian reply, responded: ``It just proved my point that you can never underestimate any side, especially the West Indians. I don't think we bowled badly, but Richardson and Lara took the game away from us.''

He added: ``There is nothing to be unhappy about. The boys look in good nick and are looking forward to playing the quarter-finals.''

The abiding image of the day, appropriately, was provided by Richardson and Ponting. With the West Indian innings at a crucial stage, Richardson swept Mark Waugh to deep midwicket. Ponting jumped up, caught the ball ... then tumbled over the ropes and onto his back.