Lara frustrated with selectors

After batting out the final day against India with a superb 120 to earn the West Indies a draw in the second Test, Brian Lara has admitted his frustration with the selectors who, he claims, fail to listen to him.

Lara, 37, who was reinstated captain of the West Indies in April, isn't included in the selectors' meetings. "I can only make suggestions," he told AP. However, in spite of pleading to the four-man panel to introduce another fast bowler to combat the India batting line up, the selectors have refused to budge.

"I've spoken to the selectors and I feel that it's unfortunate that I'm getting a negative feedback,'' Lara said. "I think that as captain of the team, that they should have some sort of trust in that person."

Fidel Edwards, the 24-year-old Barbadian who bowled impressively in the first Test at St John's, missed the second encounter after picking up a hamstring injury. As such, the West Indies attacked lacked spice and venom - aptly demonstrated in India's ease in declaring on 588 for 8 in their first innings.

"I feel I need that fast bowler. I need that guy that makes the opposition uncomfortable, especially if the pitch is in his favor,'' he said.

"We've got home advantage. I'm not asking for anything that's going to raise your eyebrow,'' he said. "I'm just asking for a pitch that a fast bowler is going to enjoy.''