Time for patience, says Lloyd (9 March 1999)

9 March 1999

Time for patience, says Lloyd

Garth Wattley

"Cricket is my life. I think it is important that before I retire that I see at least the West Indies back on its way to the top."

His side had just plunged to an unenviable new low, having lost the First Cable and Wireless Test against Australia. But West Indies captain Brian Lara, his own job under scrutiny, is determined not to give in.

"I'm going to stay very positive. On the 5th of March, I always told myself, I'm going to be out there as captain or as a batter. That is important for myself and for West Indies cricket, that I try my best to solve my batting problems."

Lara who admitted that "50s and 60s" were not enough for him, had scored three out of his side's second innings 51, the West Indies' lowest-ever total in Test cricket.

And while emotional calls were being raised anew for his removal as skipper, Lara told the media he was trying to stay positive.

"To really sit back and listen to all the negatives is not the right thing to do," he said.

"It's going to be tough for anyone to lead a team that's not successful. But I'm looking forward to Jamaica. We are one-nil down. I'm looking forward to the next Test match and see how best we can solve our problems as a team."

Questioned about the influence of psychologist Dr Rudi Webster, Lara said he appreciated the help he was getting personally and that it would take time for Dr Webster's work to take full effect on the team.

Manager Clive Lloyd, while admitting that it had been, "a very difficult day," stressed the need for patience.

It (progress) will take some time. We have to keep soldiering on and playing people and hope they will come through quickly. Brian has got a very difficult job and we are all pulling together to try and see if we can help him out of this situation. It's not easy, really."

Lloyd, Lara, coach Malcolm Marshall and Dr Webster will have just four days to rally their troops before they face Steve Waugh's Aussies again in the Second Test at Sabina Park on Saturday.

Source :: The Trinidad Express (https://www.trinidad.net/express/)