Australia add to Lara's misery

Australia gave Brian Lara another reason to be miserable when they beat West Indies by five wickets in the opening World Series limited overs match in Melbourne yesterday.

Lara, disciplined for misconduct on Wednesday, was dismissed for five to extend a poor run of form on tour.

Australia, who hold a 2-0 lead in the five-match Test series, overhauled West Indies' total of 172 all out with eight balls to spare to end a run of six successive one-day defeats.

All-rounder Greg Blewett steered his side to victory with an unbeaten 57 to the delight of the 42,442 crowd. Blewett came to the wicket with the total on 70 for 2 and hit three fours in an untroubled innings.

WORLD SERIES (Melbourne) West Indies 172 (49.2 overs) (S Chanderpaul 54); Australia 173 for 5 (48.4 overs) (G Blewett 57no). Australia win by five wickets.