We want to stay dominant over India - Lara

If familiarity breeds contempt, Brian Lara and Rahul Dravid might as well vent their anger in a boxing ring. Over the last nine months West Indies and India have run into each other at various corners. It started with the series in the Caribbean, followed by a whistle-stop at Kuala Lumpur and ended with a knock-out clash at Ahmedabad in the Champions Trophy. The scoreline is currently 6-2 in West Indies' favour and Lara had no qualms in admitting that his side started this series, a rehearsal for the World Cup, with a "psychological advantage".

Ever since Dwayne Bravo floated a slower ball to Yuvraj Singh to level the series in the Caribbean at 1-1, West Indies have had India's number. "It is a confidence booster," said Lara when asked about his side's recent record against India, "but it's also an opportunity for India to get back. India weren't as successful in the ODIs in South Africa so it's a chance for them to bounce back. We have the psychological advantage and want to continue with it. We want to stay dominant over India.

"We're motivated enough to stay on top. We are committed to playing good one-day cricket close to the World Cup. We entered two finals in 2006 but unfortunately ended up losing both to Australia. We need to ensure more consistency. That's what we're looking to do over the next four games."

It's a curious state of affairs when the hosts of the World Cup need to gear up for the event in the opposite corner of the world. But Lara preferred to highlight the positive. "It would have been much better if India came to the West Indies. The conditions there would have helped their preparations. But we need some international cricket. Our last series was in Pakistan in December. We weren't able to get our full team here - [Ramnaresh] Sarwan and [Corey] Collymore aren't here - but it provides a chance for a few players.

"A few days ago, we weren't sure if the series was on. That would have been a disappointment. It's important we get some rest after this series, before the World Cup. I don't see it as a disadvantage. It's good we can come out here, play in conditions not too far away from West Indies, play against a very good team, head back home and prepare for the World Cup."

West Indies' previous assignment was in Pakistan, against a side they will meet in the first round of the World Cup. Things didn't go according to plan but Lara spoke about the heartening aspects. "We'd like to have won the Pakistan series," he continued, "but we had a couple of players who came to the fore. Lendl Simmons had a couple of good innings and Marlon Samuels scored a great century in the only game we won.

"We've been forced to make a few changes here. We have Rayad Emrit playing ODIs for the first time. Dwayne Smith has an opportunity with Darren Sammy pulling out. It's a last lap in terms of preparations and we're going to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity to stake their claim for the WC."