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Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said yesterday the Australian team needed diplomatic assistance to leave Barbados after their captain, Steve Waugh, was sued by the local police chief.

Waugh was handed a defamation writ filed by the Barbados commissioner following comments he made in the wake of an incident in last Sunday's one-day international against the West Indies in Bridgetown, which was interrupted by crowd trouble.

Police commissioner Grantley Watson is suing Waugh over comments he made after spectator unrest during the game, which included bottles being hurled on to the field.

The Australians arrived in London yesterday in a buoyant mood, saying that although South Africa were favourites for the World Cup, they felt they had a good chance. ``I think we are better prepared for this World Cup than the last one,'' said Waugh.

Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has been given sweeping powers for the World Cup, on and off the field. Technical coach Richard Pybus will act only as his assistant and Sarfraz Nawaz has been dropped as bowling coach.