Lara is refreshed for the challenges ahead

Brian Lara says the decline in the performance of the West Indies against England in the current series has "set alarm bells ringing back in the Caribbean". As England are in the verge of a series win over the Windies for the first time since 1969, Lara said it is clear that the decline has been gradual.

"I'm sure the critics and numerous experts are already sharpening their pencils - and other instruments - for when we get home next week", Lara said singling out the lack of runs as the main reason.

The former West Indies skipper told The Mail "On a personal level, I am bitterly disappointed that I have not made more of a contribution" thereby not doing justice to the great efforts of Walsh and Ambrose.

While making no excuses for his own failure in the series about his hamstring injury and sore eyes, he had no hesitation in saying that this England team is the most focussed, competitive and consistent he had faced.

However, Lara does not share the views of bleak future for West Indies. He added "I'm confident the future looks reasonably healthy. It should not be overlooked that, prior to this tour, Jimmy Adams led the side to victory in two tough Test series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan."

While confirming his availability for the Australian tour and series against South Africa he said "The commitment I made in going on this tour holds strong. I admit there were times when I considered quitting - my head was just not right."

Lara firmly believes that he did the right thing in taking a break and enjoyed the game even though hasn't scored more runs. He is refreshed for the challenges ahead and is mentally fine.