Lara: Aussies not invincible

Lara is not afraid of Ponting's Australia © Getty Images

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Brian Lara rates Australia as far from infallible, despite the marker they have put down for the World Cup by lifting the ICC Champions Trophy.

West Indies were thrashed by eight wickets in a rain-affected final at the Brabourne Stadium on Sunday as Australia flexed their muscles in typical fashion.

Yet Lara saw enough during the month-long tournament to suggest there are others who can challenge them in the Caribbean next spring.

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“They are beatable,” said Windies captain Lara.

“They are a good team, a very professional team; they have that will to win and know how to get out of tough situations.

“You have to give them credit in all departments of the game. But I believe there are a lot of teams who can fancy themselves against Australia, and it will be a very open World Cup.”

Ricky Ponting’s men return home on Monday to prepare for the Ashes with a spring in their step after they decimated West Indies’ batting.