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If Test cricket is regarded as classical music and One-Day cricket is viewed as calypso, it would be safe to assume that the international series starting here today will be as upbeat and exciting as the engrossing Test duel that preceded us.

In keeping with the change in stage, there has also been a change in the artists.

Red balls, white clothing and bright sightscreens have given way to white balls, black sightscreens and colourful outfits; the West Indies parading in burgundy, green and gray, and Australia in yellow and green.

More importantly, though, the performers, moreso from Australia, are vastly different.

Nine of those who played in the Tests have gone home, replaced by Michael Bevan, Adam Gilchrist and company.

The left-handed Bevan has an incredible batting average in limited-overs internationals - 61.20 - and wicket-keeper Gilchrist has five centuries in 51 matches.

In essence, Australia have assembled a team packed with specialists in the shortened version of the game and have made as many as nine changes to the 15 that drew the Test series 2-2.

West Indies have retained some who have not appeared in a One-Day International for some time, while adding six players who were not involved in the Tests.

Be that as it may, there is the expectation that the series of seven matches, a virtual dress-rehearsal for next month's World Cup, will be fiercely competitive and wonderfully entertaining.

Since the first international was played here in 1981, the West Indies have won eight of their nine contests.

Today's match is a sell-out. It was a mad rush to get here and every flight into St. Vincent since Thursday was solidly booked.