Ponting expect a ''good tussle'' against West Indies

Kingston, May 14 (UNI) Despite the fears of a one-sided contest, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has said he expects a more improved West Indian outfit this time than the one that swept 3-0 in Australia in 2005-06.

After arriving from a two-day journey on May 12, the Australian team returned to the training field here today ahead of their opening three-day match against a Jamaica XI on May 16.

The first Test begins at Sabina Park on May 22.

''I don't think we'll lose the series, I think we'll win.

But I expect it to be a pretty good tussle between two good teams,'' Ponting said.

''It is always (tough) whenever you play an opposing team in their own country. You always expect them to lift . . . they play in the conditions well. Besides that we know what we have to do, we know we have to play good cricket,'' he said.

''I think one of the things that has changed is their bowling.

They're a lot better now . . . certainly than the last time we played them, '' the skipper added.

UNI XC CS FC DS1400