Lara will not be forced to end career
By Orin Davidson in Barbados
Stabroek News
April 19, 2007
He may have only two One Day International career cricket games left, but Brian Lara will not be forced into quitting the international scene all together.
"I have spent 34 years with a cricket bat in my hand, that in itself is something I am very proud of, I am not going to make any hasty decisions on my future if it's remaining in cricket or getting out of cricket," the triple world record holder told the media yesterday at Kensington Oval.
On the eve of the team's penultimate game in the World Cup against Bangla-desh, Lara insisted he is not in a hurry to decide on his future. "I am going to sit back and enjoy a holiday or something, things are not running away, cricket is always gonna be here. I am going to gradually come up with the right decisions on my future,"
The outgoing West Indies One Day International captain was also not drawn into nominating a successor to replace him.
"I am not connected in that area", he stated, adding "I wish the new captain all the best, its gonna be a tough job. A captain is as good as his team, it's a decision for the West Indies Cricket Board to get a good captain and who ever comes to the fore, his team's ingredients are going to be very important to him.
Current vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan is the front runner to replace Lara along with the latter's Trinidad and Tobago compatriot Daren Ganga
Sarwan, who had stated earlier in the week his desire to be captain, said yesterday he has not heard or been told anything directly, even with the team set to tour England in three weeks where a number of One Dayers are scheduled.
Lara was also evasive about reports of the players' aversion to intense physical training, which according to a source was the reason ex team trainer Bryce Cavanaugh quit in the middle of the Pakistan tour last December.
The Caribbean cricket website published a purported report of team physiotherapist Steven Partridge, which alleged that the players had failed to follow training programmes in the off periods and subsequently forced a reduced general workload that caused disruptions in the trainer's work.
"I have no reaction to it, because we are indoors and know exactly what we need to do as a team to ensure we play cricket at the highest level," the captain said.
" Bennett King (head coach) and staff have been working really hard with what we have, you have got to understand that our physical trainer left in December, it's no fault of the players. We have not have had one since then, we have got to work with what we have as a team and try to get the best out on the field."
Lara also reiterated the team's work ethic was not below par although he had previously complained that some players were tired after three games of the World Cup Super Eight stage.
" I am sure the players over the years have been trying their best and have been responsible in accepting the fact that there are physical trainers and physical therapists we need to report to. That's the most important thing, it's difficult at this time without the professional person there".
With West Indies' decline in performances continuing unabated, Lara said the media conference was not the forum to make recommendations for the impro-vement of the regional game on the whole.
"Of course I will give my views when the time is right, I still think it's a situation that need not be discussed publicly, it's down to the astute people who make the decisions."
In summing up his ODI career Lara said there were more valleys than peaks.
"Personally there've been some highs and some lows. I have had some really good moments, I think the 2004 victory in the ICC championship will definitely stand out. And every exit in every world cup will be the times when it's been the worst, '92, '96, '99 '03, every one has been tough"