The Quotes Log - Apr. 15 - Apr. 21

"We understand we are playing against the best team in the world. It's not going to take mediocre performances to get on top of them. We have to be on top of our game and make sure nothing affects us," West Indies skipper Brian Lara, ahead of the second Test against Australia
Source: FOX Sports, Australia

"I like that extra bit of responsibility put on my shoulders, knowing that Glenn (McGrath) hasn't been here for the first and second Tests gives me a bit more of a chance to step up. Roles can always change and what makes a good player is a player who can adapt to his surroundings or what he's been asked to do," Australian speedster Brett Lee
Source: Daily Telegraph, Australia

"The crowds over here (in the West Indies) can be distracting for players on the boundaries. Not in a bad way, they just like a chat. Our blokes are pretty friendly towards the spectators and on occasions we drifted off a bit there, so it's just something to watch. It's not a bad thing, we've just got to be aware of it," Steve Waugh, after telling his players to be more focused on the game
Source: AAP in the FOX Sports, Australia

"By the look of this pitch (at Trinidad) there will be another result in the next five days and we need to ensure it goes our way so that we can retain the Frank Worrell trophy for the fifth consecutive time," Australian batsman Justin Langer, ahead of the second Test against the West Indies
Source: BBC, UK

"At the international level, is it really the captain who should motivate his players? Kepler Wessels was always adamant that if a player needed to be motivated by his captain at this level, then the player was way out of his depth." Jonty Rhodes, on the specious reasoning behind removing Shaun Pollock from captaincy
Source: News24, South Africa

"I don't think I have written any letter to the Board. I do not see any reason why I need to take permission to start an academy or to do commentary." Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, on being asked whether he obtained the BCCI's permission before opening a cricket academy
Source: Sun Network, India

"It's become apparent that he needs a bit of a break. He's very disappointed with it [but] he doesn't want to let people down by coming here with an injury." Lancashire manager Mike Watkinson, on Harbhajan Singh's unavailability for the county season
Source: The Guardian, UK

"You can't rule out anything in Pakistani cricket. Anything can happen there, so you never know." Speedster Wasim Akram, on being asked about a comeback to the national team
Source: The Pakistan Tribune, Pakistan