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As the West Indies players assembled in Port-of-Spain yesterday for the opening Test against Australia, captain Brian Lara's statement that he was confident of being fit for the match would have been welcomed.

Speaking on Monday night after the 15-man squad was announced, Lara said he was still awaiting results of tests but was hopeful of being in top shape.

``I'm awaiting results of a scan done on my hand, but I'm feeling good and should be ready,'' said the 28-year-old, who holds the world record for the highest Test score.

He has not played competitive cricket in nearly a month since being struck by a short ball from Jacques Kallis during the One-Day International series against South Africa.

``About my form, I've not been playing, but I've been in the nets, working on my game and trying to get match fit,'' he added.

By his own admission Lara is short of work and with such a big assignment on Friday he will also be hoping that veteran speedsters Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh will be ready as they attempt to regain the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy.

The last first-class match for Walsh and Lara was the final Test at Centurion Park, January 15-18, while Ambrose last played in the fourth Test in Cape Town a week earlier. Ambrose played in the One-Day series while Walsh returned home after limping off the field in the Centurion Test.

All three missed the regional Busta Cup competition.

Both fast bowlers have been declared fit and ready but are expected to be a little short of match practice.