Lara confident in Windies

Brian Lara's sparkling 77 was not sufficient to prevent an Australia win © Getty Images

Brian Lara underlined his confidence in his West Indies team to bounce back against New Zealand despite their 103-run humbling at the hands of Australia.

Lara’s 77 failed to carry the hosts beyond 219 all out, in pursuit of a target of 323, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Wednesday.

After that opening World Cup Super Eight fixture required a reserve day because of rain, Lara’s team knew they would have to take the field for the third morning running at the same venue - against the Kiwis.

It could hardly be described as an advantageous situation, but Lara said: “I still have a lot of confidence in the guys. “[Shivnarine] Chanderpaul got a hundred in the last game and Chris Gayle is an outstanding batsman.

"Ramnaresh] Sarwan has been a top player for last couple of years, and [Marlon] Samuels is coming to the fore in a few games.

“One game or one disappointment is not going to change anything.”

As for a schedule which is proving unforgiving for the hosts, Lara added: “The only saving grace is our bowlers didn’t have to do anything [on the second day against Australia].

Lara labelled the injured Lou Vincent as the best fielder in the tournament © Getty Images

“It was always a possibility, with two games in two days and a rain day in between, but that’s not going to be an excuse.

“We have focus and the guys are looking forward to the game.”

New Zealand, meanwhile, must go into their first Super Eight fixture with a rejigged team - thanks to a wrist injury for opener Lou Vincent and fellow batsman Ross Taylor’s hamstring problem.

The former has had to leave the tour, to be replaced by Hamish Marshall, while Taylor is expected to be fit again soon.

Lara believes Vincent’s absence will take its toll on New Zealand.

“New Zealand are a very good one-day outfit, so we are not going to take them any more lightly than Australia,” he said.

“But Lou Vincent will be a major factor - he was outstanding in the field in the first round."

Despite their injuries, Lara expects Stephen Fleming’s team to arrive in good heart following their recent successes.

“They are coming back off not just the first round but their performances against Australia in New Zealand, so they are very high in confidence,” Lara said.

“We know it’s going to be a tough job but we are confident we can get our act together.”