Lara, who injured his left shoulder and elbow during the West Indies’ tour of Sri Lanka last December, has been undergoing extensive therapy under the watchful eyes of Niles during the past few weeks.

While his shoulder is no longer a problem, Lara still cannot straighten his elbow properly. In fact, following his first stint with the bat last Friday he explained that he was feeling pain when he tried to execute cut and flick shots or when he missed a delivery.

Speaking to Chronicle Sports on Wednesday though, Niles said that the world double record-holder had improved nicely since the net session.

“He has stepped up on his therapy and is progressing nicely. And he is working favourably towards his target date (end of March) for the upcoming Indian tour,” Niles said.

Niles explained that Lara’s elbow is feeling much better and the 32-year-old player is in a great frame of mind. He continues to remain focused on getting 100 per cent better, she added.

The ace West Indies batsman is hoping to regain full fitness in the next few days and could play some competitive cricket locally.

Lara has been included in a 22-man squad for a one-week training camp to be held in Port of Spain, starting on Monday.

Administrative Manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board of Control, Rambhai Patel, yesterday confirmed that Lara has registered to play in the board’s competitions.

Patel said Lara and fast bowler Mervyn Dillon have signed registration forms with the Queen’s Park Cricket Club.

Two Test players are also eligible to play in the domestic tournaments, among them WI and Guyana captain Carl Hooper and fellow countryman Neil McGarrell, who are registered to play with Alescon Comet and Ceramics Merry Boys Sports respectively.