Cricket: Coach plea to Windies

New West Indies coach Bennett King has urged his players to be more consistent and bury the cash controversy which has dogged the build-up to their Australian tour.

A 14-man squad, led by Brian Lara, left today for Australia to take part in a one-day international tournament despite a major row between players and West Indies board officials over sponsorship rights and appearance money.

King preferred to concentrate on playing matters rather than the row as he prepares the team for their first international assignment since winning the Champions Trophy in England in September.

"They have already proven they can beat any side in the world," said King. "What is needed now is consistency."

The tri-nation tournament also includes Pakistan.

West Indies squad: Brian Lara (capt), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (v-c), Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Marlon Samuels, Dwayne Bravo, Ryan Hinds, Courtney Browne, Ian Bradshaw, Xavier Marshall, Pedro Collins, Mervyn Dillon and Reon King.

Associated Press