HE may be one of the most gifted batsmen in the history of cricket but the jury is still out on Brian Lara as a captain.
And how his side fare against England in a four-Test series starting today could determine his future as skipper.
If West Indies lose, then it could be curtain for Lara as a leader.
He has always seemed uneasy in his two stints in the job and has threatened to quit on several occasions.
His latest threat came against lowly Bangladesh, when he said he would resign if the West Indies did not win the second Test after drawing the first.
West Indies duly obliged and Lara, who hit 120, remains in charge - but for how long?
HIS RECORD
Lara's record as captain speaks for itself - it is not very good.
In his first spell in charge, Lara led the West Indies 18 times, winning six Tests but losing 10.
His second tenure, which started just over a year ago, has also seen him captain the side for 18 matches and his record this time around is four wins and eight defeats.
Not even Lara could argue his young side has progressed satisfactorily under his leadership.
What is amazing, though, is Lara's ability to switch off from his captaincy and solely concentrate on his batting.
He is one of the very few captains whose average has increased in the dual role.
Lara's average as captain is above 60 and he also regained the world Test batting record with a 400 not out against England.
HIS AGE
Lara is no spring chicken and is in the twilight of his career. At the age of 35, he is also the oldest current Test captain.
Most Test teams have bitten the bullet and gone for a younger skipper and it cannot be long before West Indies will do the same.
Lara has stated he has dedicated the latter stages of his career to attempting to improve the West Indies.
He said: "It doesn't matter what I achieve on the field personally.
"I've dedicated the last few years of my career to ensuring we get some sort of respectability in terms of international Test cricket rankings."
But time is running out.
THE CONTENDERS
There is no doubt Lara is still the linchpin of the West Indies side, and there is no reason why he cannot continue playing for another couple of years.
But at some stage he has to relinquish the captaincy to a younger man.
By appointing Lara for a second term, it has given the West Indies Cricket Board time to choose a new captain.
Ramnaresh Sarwan is the current vice-captain and the heir apparent.
At 24 he may be young, but Sarwan already has 46 Test matches under his belt and has led the side in Lara's absence.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul could also step up. He is captain of Guyana and certainly has experience on his side.
And another player who seems to be growing in maturity and stature is opening batsman Chris Gayle.
If Lara does decide to stand down or is forced to, then there are stars of the future who seem ready to take West Indies to the next level. (BBC Sport)