Lara backs West Indies to improve

Lara was unable to rescue his side after they slumped to 33-4

West Indies captain Brian Lara admitted his side had been outplayed in all areas of the game after their 116-run defeat by Australia in the VB Series.

"They batted better and bowled better than us. Even in the field, although they had a couple of lapses, they were pretty special today," he said.

"We've got to move on from this and know there are better days to come."

Although he top scored with 58, Lara said: "When you do get a fifty you have to go on and unfortunately I didn't."

He continued: "Myself and Chanderpaul were putting a partnership [together], but the run rate was getting a little bit above us at seven, eight runs an over and I decided to go on the attack.

"Unfortunately when I decided to do that, it didn't work out but having been four wickets down in the first 15 overs, it was always going to be tough for us to get there."

West Indies were eventually all out for 185 in reply to Australia's total of 301-4, as spin bowler Brad Hogg claimed a career best 5-32, including the wickets of both Lara and Chanderpaul.

It earned him a second successive Man of the Match award, having done so against New Zealand in Sydney last month, and he said: "I seem to be in a purple patch at the moment and hopefully it will keep going."

There has been speculation that Test star Shane Warne may decide to come out of his self-imposed retirement from the limited overs game, which could threaten Hogg's place in the side.

Martyn maintained the prolific batting form he showed in 2004

But Hogg said: "Warney's the best leg-spinner the world's probably ever seen. I'd really love to play alongside him again but I can only do what I can do, and control what I can control."

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting also paid tribute to fast bowler Brett Lee for sweeping the West Indies top order and batsman Damien Martyn, who had earlier hit 95 not out off 93 balls.

"Damien Martyn played beautifully, he's just had an unbelievable year," he said.

"Brett Lee bowled quick with the new ball and made it hard for them to score. He's very dangerous, particularly with left-handers at the top of the order, because he can bowl those fast, full deliveries which do swing late."