MELBOURNE.

Dec 11: West Indies opening batsman Philo Wallace is expected to be fit for Thu-

rsday’s World Series Cup one-day cricket match against Australia in Melbourne, despite suffering an Injury Tuesday, reports AP.

Wallace, who is making hls first tour to Australia, was struck in the mouth during a one-day game against a Victorian country side.

The 21-year-old from Barbados had a front tooth loosened but team manager Deryck Murray said Wednesday that Wallace's condition was rapidly improving.

The opener was taken to a local dentist for treatment and the West Indies' management will wait 24 hours before making a decision on his fitness.

Wallace's injury took the gloss off West Indies' 45 run win in a match reduced to 30 overs a side by rain.

Opener Carlisle Best top scored with 32 while Carl Hooper hit three sixes in his 29 scored off Just 21 balls.

"Philo Is still a bit woozy the day after getting a blow, but the dentist says there is nothing long-term to worry about," manager Murray said.

Wallace is one of five new faces in the West Indies team that will meet Australia for the first time since the Australian tour of the Caribbean, which ended In May.

■ Wallace. Keith Arthurton. Brian Lara. David Williams and Anderson Cummins have replaced Gordon Greenldge. Viv Richards. Gus Logie. Jeff Dujon and Courtney Walsh for this three-way series, which also includes India.

Australian captain Allan

Border said it will take several matches for hi* team to become accustomed to the new opponents.

They probably know us better than we know them for a change." Border said.

"I remember the new faces from the tour earlier this year but it will take a game or two to adapt to how they play.

Tm not sure as yet how different they will be to Viv, Dujon and Greenldge but we know the team's bowling is as strong as ever."

The West Indies have played one match in the Cup series^ scoring a rare tie with India in Perth.

India has a win. a tie and a loss in three matches while Australia has won one match and lost its other.

TEAMS

WEST INDIES (from): Richie Richardson (captain). Desmond Haynes (vice-captain). Curtly Ambrose. Hamcsh Anthony, Keith Arthurton. Anderson Cummins. Carl Hooper, Brian Lara. Malcolm Marshall. Patrick Patterson. Philo Wallace. David Williams.

AUSTRALIA (from): Allan

Border (captain) . Geoff Marsh ( vice -captain). David Boon. Ian Healy. Dean Jones. Craig McDermott. Tom Moody. Simon O'Donnel. Bruce Reid. Peter Taylor. Steve Waugh, Mike Whitney.