Lara offers hurricane relief

Brian Lara's West Indian team has pledged financial support to the islands ravaged by Hurricane Ivan. Speaking at a press conference ahead of his team's match against Bangladesh at the Rose Bowl tomorrow, Lara announced that the team hoped they could lift the spirits of people in Grenada, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, through their performances.

"It's a really distressing time in the West Indies. People in Grenada and Jamaica are struggling with the hurricane," said Lara. "Many of the guys have family from there, and all of us have friends in those parts. Most importantly West Indies cricket has got 100% support from these islands, and I think it would be great if our guys could go out there and perform and lift a bit of the burden."

Lara explained that some funds had been collected from the team members, but declined to say how much. He added that the funds would be channelled via the West Indies' players' association to the areas that needed them. "The team has pledged some funds through the players' association," said Lara. "I think it's an opportunity for us to put a smile back on the faces of people in the West Indies."

Hurricane Ivan lashed through the Caribbean, devastating the islands of Grenada, Grand Cayman and Jamaica in the last week. Grenada was the worst hit, with more than 30 people killed and thousands of buildings flattened. Estimates suggest that over 5000 people are living in temporary shelters as a result.