West Indies' wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin jumps in an attempt to field a high return beside Australia's Matthew Hayden during their Cricket World Cup Super Eight match in St. John's, Antigua, yesterday. The match, which was interrupted by rain, will continue on today's reserve day, with the West Indies needing to score 323 runs to win off 50 overs. - REUTERS

UNSEASONAL RAIN in the region forced title holders Australia and the West Indies to utilise the reserve day for the first time in this renewal of the ICC Cricket World Cup after play in the Super Eight opener at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John's, Antigua, had to be suspended after Australia batted yesterday.

The teams will renew rivalry today at the same venue, on the same pitch and it is expected that openers Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul will walk to the crease when play begin.

Yesterdayopener Matthew Hayden hit a second straight century in the Cricket World Cup, scoring 158 runs, the highest by an Australian at the World Cup.

All 50 overs

Australia completed its innings at 322-6, and the West Indies will have all 50 overs in hand when the match starts today.

Meanwhile, two other title contenders, South Africa who lost to Australia on Saturday and 1996 winners Sri Lanka, will lock horns in Guyana, weather permitting.