RICHIE RICHARDSON and Brian Lara inspired the West Indies to a dramatic four-wicket victory over Australia that looks sure to save their World Cup campaign. Richardson, who only the day before said he would consider stepping down as captain after a disastrous series of results, was still at the crease, undefeated on 93, when Australia's total of 229 for six was overhauled with seven balls to spare.

The group A victory over Mark Taylor's side, in Jaipur, India, may now save Richardson's captaincy, which had been badly damaged by their shock defeat to cup qualifiers Kenya last week.

Richardson, the victim of constant criticism for weeks, said: "If we can beat Australia, the best team in the competition, we can heat anyone. No one is going to underestimate us again. The Kenyan game is history, we have put it behind us. If you struggle hard enough, success will come. The boys were more focussed on the game and it showed."

The victory enabled the West Indies to finish alongside India on four points, two ahead of Zimbabwe and Kenya. With Sri Lanka and Australia already sure of a place in the next round, the remaining two quarter final berths in the group will be decided after tomorrow's matches between India and Zimbabwe and Kenya and Sri Lanka. But the West Indies and India, even if caught, hold a crucial run rate advantage that should see them through.

Richardson's 87-run stand with Lara - the man tipped to succeed him and who reportedly fell out with him last year - was hugely symbolic. Lara hit seven boundaries in a classy 60 off 70 halls before sweeping off spinner Mark Waugh down Glenn McGrath's throat at deep square leg.

From 113 for two, the West Indies slumped to 196 for six as Shivnarine Chanderpaul (10) and Keith Arthurton fell to Waugh and Roger Harper (22) was trapped leg before by Paul Reiffel. But left handed Jimmy Adams kept Richardson company until the end.

Australia, whose key contribution came from century maker Ricky Ponting, had never really recovered from the opening burst of fast bowlers Curtly Ambrose - who bowled four maidens in his first five overs - and Courtney Walsh.

Australian captain Mark Taylor, who sportingly admitted grounding a catch off Courtney Browne in the first over of the West Indian reply, said: "It just proved my point that you can never underestimate any side. I don't think we howled badly, but Richardson and Lara took the game from us."