Lara's Windies on a mission (27 October 1998)

27 October 1998

Lara's Windies on a mission

By Rabeed Imam

The coming months will be crucial for the West Indies and by the end of the World Cup in England, they could regain their status as the best team in the world, believes captain Brian Lara.

"I think the next eight months could tell a very big story in West Indies cricket. During that period we will be playing South Africa away in Tests and one dayers, then Australia will be coming to the Caribbean for a Test series. After that we will compete in the World Cup where apart from the Test countries we are scheduled to face Bangladesh and Scotland. If we are successful on most of those occasions, we will be doing a great job for West Indies cricket," said Lara during a media conference at the team hotel yesterday.

"Obviously I want to see the West Indies back on top again. The opposition will stay in front of us but we have to be able go out there and do our best."

The world record holder in Test and first-class batting, said that he considered quarterfinal opponents Pakistan as a formidable side. "They are very good. A bit inconsistent maybe, but when they play according to their potential, they can beat any team in the world.

"We are aware that this is a knock out tournament and losing one game means you are out.I'm very excited about it and looking forward to the competition with high hopes. having flown a long way, we have no intention of leaving Dhaka before the final",Lara added.

Replying to a query Lara admitted that he didn't know the exact reason behind star fast bowler Curtly Ambrose missing the Wills Cup. "The West Indies board can give you a better answer on that. We definitely would miss a great bowler like him, however, we've got three young capable fast men.Let's see them go out there and do their best. We have to put Ambrose behind us."

Manager Clive Lloyd confirmed that Ambrose's absence was due to family reasons.

About the squad,Lloyd said, "We have some proven performers as well as some talented youngsters. We can't have Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh for ever so it's a good opportunity for the new fast bowlers to show their worth.We have Reon King, who is Ambrose's replacement,pretty lively.Neil McGarrel, the left arm spinner is a bright prospect. It's a mixture of youth and experience which should see us through in this tournament."

Lara considered his team as the best possible one-day outfit that could be picked and added that the inclusion of two specialist spinners(Leg-spinner Raul Lewis and McGarrel) was a breath of fresh air. "We have a lot of variation. It's good to see we have some spinners who can be potential match-winners in both forms of the game.But that doesn't mean we are depleted in the fast bowling department.Still spin is important in one-dayers."

Lara said all-rounder Carl Hooper was his 'trump card'.

On his individual form, Lara said that he is satisfied with it despite pressure and criticism. "I have other priorities--the performance of my team for example.As the captain, my job is to ensure that I play my part in batting and also to make sure my team is successful most of the time."

When asked who he thought as the toughest opponent in the tournament,a witty Lara answered, "England,but they have already lost."

Coach Malcolm Marshall kept silent throughout the press briefing except for once. He was asked if lanky tearaway Nixon McLean was the fastest bowler in the world at the moment.

"I can't say if he is the quickest, but he certainly is there among the top three", said the champion fast bowler of yester years.

The West Indies team had a tough three-hour practice session at the Bangladesh Institute of Engineering and Technology(BUET) ground in the afternoon.

Around a thousand or more fans were present to watch the Caribbeans.Not surprisingly Brian Lara seemed to be the chief attraction.

Photographers, who are getting the privilege of taking pictures of the stars from very close range,were seen following the cricketers where ever they went.

Things got a little out of proportion when the men with lens kept their cameras firmly focused on the toilet door after Lara had got inside.

On one occasion an understandably disgusted Lara was heard murmuring "I think I've had enough of this."

Security personnel were having a hard time trying to control the autograph hunters. A tiny school girl,however managed to convince the men in uniform and went straight to the West Indies captain.She presented Lara with one of her own drawings.

A visibly moved Lara took the tiny tot in his lap and spent some time with her.

The team had a prolonged net where all the players had a go with the bat.

After the practice, opener Clayton Lambert, awash in sweat, said, "it was hard, extremely hard."

The Guyanese left-hander,who is tremendously fit at the age 36,said the pitches and facilities at BUET were superb.

"My form in the recently concluded Red Stripe Bowl (Domestic one-day tournament) wasn't very good.I am looking forward to making up here", said Lambert.

Source:: The Bangladesh Daily Star (https://www.dailystarnews.com)