West Indies: ‘Not cricket' says Franklyn Stephenson

'To stop like this shows how he feels about West Indies cricket.'

That's the view of outspoken cricket analyst Franklyn Stephenson following Brian Lara's decision to take a break from cricket.

'It shows what respect he has for the feelings of the people in the region,' Stephenson said.

Lara's announcement came a day before he was to fly to Jamaica for a training camp ahead of the West Indies' home series against Zimbabwe.

'I don't want anybody out there saying he is just human,' Stephenson remarked.

'You are playing sport and who wouldn't want to play international sport for a living?'

In announcing his decision late Thursday, Lara said it was essential for personal reasons that he took a break.

His announcement came exactly a week after he asked not to be considered for the captaincy and a few days after giving West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) officials the assurance that he would be available to play against Zimbabwe.

Stephenson, a former Barbados all-rounder and experienced professional who played first-class cricket in England, South Africa and Australia, was surprised by Lara's latest decision.

'I expected the sheer pride somewhere in there would have been saying that he is going to come out and show the people what he is made of,' he said.

'What Brian Lara is saying he is made of I don't think anybody in the region wants to hear. Don't tell me that you are home for a month or two after a tour and you need rest, rest from what?'

Stephenson also dismissed the suggestion that Lara was under stress.

'Do not give me that nonsense,' he said.

'When you are out there to perform, it is a stressful situation, but it is what you make it.

'If you are good, you would absorb all of that and you perform. That is what batting is all about. That's what being good at sport is all about.'

The latest series of events has led Stephenson to conclude that Lara was never the right man for the job of captain.

The WICB should also take some blame, Stephenson said.

'The board should really take stock. They have failed and they have got to start soul-searching.

'They are to blame for a lot that has been happening in regional cricket.'