Dillon recalled for Test finale

ST JOHN’S: West Indies captain Brian Lara returns to the venue of his greatest Test innings hoping he can inspire his side in the fourth and final Cable & Wireless cricket Test against Australia beginning here today.

The 34-year-old left-hander scored his Test record 375 on Antigua’s Recreation Ground nine years ago against England. “We have to make sure and play good cricket, and my contribution with the bat is of great importance,” Lara said on the eve of the match. “Of course, I’d like to have a big score.” The West Indies face a historic sweep in the four-match series after losing the third match in Barbados last Monday to go down 3-0. Only the 1955 Australians, who won that five-match rubber 3-0, have beaten the West Indies in as many Tests in a series in the Caribbean. An Australian victory would also push that team’s winning streak against the West Indies to 10.

Lara said that his team was putting a more positive spin on things. “For us, it’s the beginning of something,” Lara said. “How bad it looks doesn’t really matter.” “We’re 3-0 down and the series has gone,” he added. “Our goal is to begin something fantastic here in Antigua and carry it on for the remainder of the year.”  Experienced wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs returns to the line-up — a 12-man team announced last night — after missing the last two Tests following a groin injury in the series opener. Pacer Mervyn Dillon, the only bowler in the squad with over 100 wickets, is also likely to regain his spot at the expense of rookie Tino Best. 

Australian skipper Steve Waugh said his side would be motivated by the prospect of a clean sweep. “This is a great opportunity to win 4-0. It may never happen again for any of the guys,” the 37-year-old said. “We may be at the peak as a side.” Waugh is also wary that his team had lost the final Test twice in the last three series once the rubber had been won. “I’ve just got a feeling it won’t happen this time. I reckon we’ll be full-on for this Test match,” he predicted. The Australians are expected to field the same eleven that won the third Test by nine wickets in Barbados.
    
Teams: West Indies (from): Brian Lara (capt), Chris Gayle, Devon Smith, Daren Ganga, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Marlon Samuels, Ridley Jacobs, Vasbert Drakes, Mervyn Dillon, Jermaine Lawson, Omari Banks. 12th man - Carlton Baugh and Tino Best.
Australia (from): Steve Waugh (capt), Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Darren Lehmann, Adam Gilchrist, Andy Bichel, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, Stuart MacGill, Glenn McGrath, Martin Love, Brad Hogg, Ashley Noffke, Jimmy Maher, Michael Clarke.
Umpires: David Shepherd (England), Srinivas Venkataraghavan (India).
Third/TV umpire: Billy Doctrove (Dominica). Match referee: Mike Procter (South Africa).