Moment of truth for Adams

West Indies' disastrous tour of Australia could trigger more anguish for captain Jimmy Adams if they lose their one-dayer to Zimbabwe on Friday.

Adams presided over the 5-0 Test series loss against Australia and defeat on Friday would mean an early trip home and a tough fight to hold the captaincy for the home series against South Africa.

Victory for Zimbabwe would virtually guarantee them a place in next week's triangular limited overs finals series against unbeaten Australia, based on the African side's superior run-rate over the West Indies.

However, a win for the West Indies would put them straight into the finals on six points and hand a final chance to salvage something from a sorry tour.

Adams said on Thursday: "Tomorrow will take care of itself, we have a very important game, let's get that done, get it dusted and we'll cross whatever bridge needs crossing after that.

"I'd like to think that I can offer something positive to the position.

"I think one of the most important things we've managed to do is keep the team together.

FRAGMENTED

"We've been on tours before where things haven't gone well and things have gotten a little bit fragmented."

Adams said the relentless pressure from Australian captain Steve Waugh's team was a tough initiation for players like promising 19-year-old batsman Marlon Samuels.

"It's been rough on them, OK, it's been rough on all of us, but obviously so for those starting out," Adams said.

"But at the same time, looking back on previous tours that haven't gone well, I think they've had a better environment than in the past to come and parade their skills in front of an overseas public."

Former West Indies vice-captain Carl Hooper's name has been raised as a possible replacement as leader for Adams, who averaged only 18.88 in the Test series.

Hooper, 34, a veteran of 80 Tests, quit the team on the eve of the 1999 World Cup but is now back playing Busta Cup for Guyana after some club cricket in Australia.

If Zimbabwe win on Friday they will draw level with West Indies on four points and could then afford to lose the last game of the preliminary rounds against Australia on Sunday as long as the margin of defeat was not vastly overwhelming.