Lara in emotional mood after his final ODI match
Guyana Chronicle
April 22, 2007
WEST Indies captain Brian Lara was in emotional mood after defeat by England in his final international match.
England reached their target of 301 with one ball remaining in a dramatic end to one of the great careers.
Lara told the crowd: "I've had a tremendous time playing for the West Indies. All I ask is, did I entertain? If I entertained you, I'm happy.
"Things didn't quite work out today as planned, but maybe it was a fitting way to end my career - runs galore."
Lara refused to blame Marlon Samuels for the call which led to his run-out for just 18 in his final innings.
He said: "These things happen. As any schoolboy knows, if the ball goes behind you, you run. I'm ready to move on.
"I'm really proud of the West Indies team and the fight we showed.
"Unfortunately we didn't get home today, but we showed great spirit throughout."
Lara said that his 277 against Australia at Sydney in 1993, his world record Test innings of 375 and 400 and winning the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy were his proudest moments.
But he admitted that the lack of success for the West Indies during much of his career remained a major disappointment.
He said: "When I was first playing cricket the West Indies were at the top in world cricket, and I always wanted us to stay at the top.
"But there was a decline, and we haven't managed to stop that over the last 10 or 12 years, and that's the most disappointing thing. I'm a team player and I want to see this West Indies team get back to the top.
"I want to thank everyone for all their support over the years - I've enjoyed every single minute of it." (BBC Sport)