Cricket: Lara's century sinks Australians

Australia 281-4 West Indies 284-3 West Indies win by 7 wickets

Brian Lara scored his first century on tour as the West Indies beat Australia by seven wickets in a high-scoring limited overs international in Brisbane yesterday.

Lara scored 102 to steer the West Indies to victory in their World Series match with seven balls to spare at the Gabba. Chasing Australia's 281 for 4 in 50 overs, West Indies reached 284 for 3 on the strength of Lara's efforts and Carl Hooper's unbeaten 110. Hooper, batting one place below his vice-captain at No 4, abandoned his early supporting role once Lara was out to take responsibility during the final overs.

Hooper, who plays for Kent, and Lara had shared a third-wicket partnership worth 154 runs off 167 deliveries. After looking badly out of sorts for several weeks, Lara found his timing in an innings that featured two sixes and eight fours. The result was disappointing for the Australian opener Mark Waugh, who had also scored 102 before being run out. Essex all-rounder Stuart Law contributed 93.

WORLD SERIES (Brisbane): Australia 281-4 (M Waugh 102, S Law 93); West Indies 284-3 (Carl Hooper 110 not out, Brian Lara 102). West Indies win by seven wickets. Standings: 1 West Indies (P5 Pts6); 2 Australia (5-4); 3 Pakistan (4-4).