Lara calls for united front

Brian Lara has given his support to the captain Chris Gayle and called for an end to the debate over who should lead West Indies. Gayle was in charge before the players' strike and was reappointed for the tour of Australia, which begins with a game against Queensland on Wednesday.

While Viv Richards said Gayle would have to show a different attitude Down Under, Lara, another former captain, believes Gayle is the right man for the job. "Obviously we have to gather our support and put it behind Chris," Lara told CMC Sports. "There is no reason to debate or go on about it.

"He's the one heading to Australia, we're going to be playing against one of the best teams in the world, obviously losing the Ashes they are going to come looking for revenge on anyone, and we don't need to be mulling over the fact of who should be captain or who shouldn't be captain. Chris Gayle is going to get my support and I hope he's going to get everyone's support."

Lara said Gayle, who has led the side in 14 Tests, has achieved some good things while in charge, including winning a Test in South Africa. However, Gayle has been criticised in the Caribbean for his view towards Test cricket, which began when he said it wouldn't be so sad if the format died.

"Obviously there are some statements that he made or maybe what he's done over the last year or so but I wouldn't get into that part of it," Lara said. "I still believe when a decision is made [you support that decision]."