World Cup 2003 couldn’t have gotten off to a better start as the underdogs got the better of the hosts and one of the favourates to win the Cup. In one-day cricket, it’s always the underdogs one should be wary of. There is always the possibility that the favourites become complacent, enough to lose the match. The West Indians, after their stupendous performance in India, have proved once again that their performance was no flash in the pan. They got the better of the Proteas and showed they are capable of turning the tables even when up against the best on a given day.The pressure must have been enormous, not only because it was the first session of the biggest event, but also because they were up against the host country. With the crowd backing the Proteas to the hilt, the West Indies had to play above their ability to get the better of their opponents. That they did, showed them to be in great shape, both mentally and physically.The presence of Brian Lara was a great boost to their morale, for he is a match-winner in the real sense of the term. He has been out of form and his fitness, of late, has been in doubt. However, as they say, great players need a challenge to bring the best out of them and, in that respect, Lara didn’t disappoint. What an innings he came up with! Lara needs a platform — the bigger the better. In the process, he once again established himself as a front-runner for the post of the best batsman in world cricket. After this knock, he has set himself apart from the others. It was stuff right out of the top drawer.It was obvious that he would struggle to start with. Being out of the game for well over three months, he took time to settle down. However, once the initial hesitancy was over, he unleashed shots only he could dare execute. The only time the bowlers had a chance was at the beginning but, once he settled down, they had no choice but to stand and applaud. Lara adapted beautifully to the conditions. This is precisely what the Indians were lacking in New Zealand. Nobody was prepared to slug it out. They all played shots and succumbed. Lara’s innings was an eye-opener. After all, one learns by watching great players bat. Carl Hooper’s handling of the limited attack, too, was praiseworthy indeed for not many have showed the kind of calmness Carl did. Moreover, considering that he had to fall upon the services of the likes of Gayle and Powell in the middle overs.The West Indians have tremendous depth in the their batting. And, that they played to their strength is a lesson to other participants in the tournament.
