Friday, September 8 2006 14:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Port-Of-Spain: West Indies skipper Brian Lara has said the tri-series in Malaysia would be an ideal preparation for his team's defence of the ICC Champions Trophy in India in October-November.

Lara also says the team picked for the tri-series is just the start of great things for his side.

The batting legend is speaking at the Grantley Adams International Airport, while in transit for the London-leg of the trip.

Coach Bennett King is also of the view that the tri-series, which has India and Australia as the other two teams, would be a good lead-up for the Champions Trophy to be hosted by India in October-November.

"This tri-series is a good lead in to the Champions Trophy preliminary round. The quality of opposition is the strongest in the world so it is a good test against the best," King says.

King said his team will look to build on its 4-1 success over India at home in May.

"In the last few games the team played as a team and we need to build on that learning experience to move forward."

The West Indies is scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on September 9 and take on Australia on September 12.

After the tri-series, the team will go to India for the Champions Trophy before hopping next door to Pakistan for a series of three Tests and five ODIs.

"What this whole combined tour will do is give us extended access to work with the players. It will be a test of the players' durability and their ability to maintain quality and high levels of performance for a long period of time."