Lara hopes that win will kickstart a new era

Success at long, long last for Brian Lara © Getty Images

Brian Lara refused to get carried away by the tidal wave of emotion that followed the West Indies' remarkable triumph in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval, but hoped that the success would act as a spur for a new generation of Caribbean cricketers. Though considered one of the finest batsmen of his era, Lara has had to wait until the twilight of his career for his first major international honour.

"In 1975 when we won the World Cup, it began our great days in both Tests and one-day cricket," said Lara, speaking soon after Ian Bradshaw and Courtney Browne had scripted a dramatic come-from-behind triumph. "I hope it's the foundation of another beginning." West Indies won the first two World Cups, in 1975 and '79, but have consistently failed to reach the highest echelons of one-day cricket since a shock defeat to India in the 1983 final.

Lara refused to pin the occasion down as the finest of his career, but admitted his satisfaction at having seen off an England side that trounced West Indies in Tests home and away this summer. "There have been many personal highs in my career - the one-run win in Adelaide, the win over South Africa in 1992," he said. "But in terms of the battering we have received from everyone in the past few months and then doing it against England, who smashed us in seven of the eight Tests, is pretty special."

Bradshaw, who struck the winning runs to cap off a performance remarkable for its composure, was singled out for special praise, along with Browne. "It's been great for them since I don't think I have seen Ian bat even in the nets," said Lara. "The thing to remember is that both of them are from Barbados and have played together for many seasons. Both of them are very experienced. This is the thing about this side - experience. We brought in quite a few senior players for this tournament and it has made a difference."

Bradshaw, who took two wickets in the England innings then stroked that priceless unbeaten 35, called it the biggest moment of his life. "I just wanted to support Courtney," said Bradshaw, who has captained Barbados and also captained the West Indies Under-19 team. "When the light was offered to us, I didn't want to go out since we had the momentum. I spoke to Courtney and he said the same."

After a couple of seasons in which it appeared that the lights had gone out on West Indies cricket, it was glorious full wattage at The Oval last night. And few would begrudge Lara and his men that.