Reuters
 
Ahmedabad, Oct 26: West Indies captain Brian Lara is doubtful for Thursday's Champions Trophy Group A match against India.

The left-hander suffered back spasms while scoring 71 in a tense 10-run victory over world champions Australia last week and could not field.

"I'd love to be out there tomorrow but that decision will be taken at the last minute," Lara told reporters on Wednesday.

"I trained for the first time yesterday. I felt a bit sore. I am sure we still have 11 that can do the job."

The holders are boosted by the return of batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who missed the game against Australia due to food poisoning.

"The guys are full of confidence," said Lara. "We know what we want to do if we win the toss and we've got to pick a team accordingly."

Seam bowler Corey Collymore will be sidelined for the second successive match because of the imminent birth of his first child.

West Indies scored a 4-1 home series win over India in May but Lara said Rahul Dravid's team would be a different proposition in their own backyard.

"India are a team we could meet in the second round of the World Cup so this match is huge," he said.

"There are factors to be taken into consideration. It's Ahmedabad and the crowds will be fully supportive of India. In these situations you can see the real mettle of a team and that's what we are focusing on."

Lara said his team were buoyant after the win over Australia, when young paceman Jerome Taylor became the first West Indian to take a hat-trick in one-day internationals.

"After losing to Sri Lanka (in the final qualifying match) we went back to the drawing board and worked out situations, what we wanted to do against the best team in the world, and executed very well," he said.

West Indies also play England in Ahmedabad on Saturday.