WI: Lara Vows To Let His Bat Do The Talking (2 Jun 1996)

2 June 1996

Lara vows to let his bat do the talking

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Saturday - Brian Lara has promised to keep his mouth shut and let his batting speak for him.

The West Indies batsman, reprimanded last month for two incidents during the World Cup, said: "The way I want to repay the people of the West Indies is by ensuring I score some high totals and that we win the next test series later in the year.``

"We must aim to be number one in cricket.``

Lara, holder of the world record test score, was reprimanded over derogatory remarks attributed to him after the shock World Cup defeat by Kenya and his row with team physiotherapist Dennis Waight.

He said he would like "to thank all those who supported him during a mixed 1995-1996 season. There were many ups and downs, now I am hoping that only my runs will speak.``

Lara also said he wants to remain focused for the test series in Australia later this year.

"That is a crucial test series for all of us, we have a lot to prove and win back,`` he said.

"To me, it promises to be one of the biggest battles ever. We will probably be the underdogs on this occasion, but that suits us just fine, we are coming to Australia to win and avenge that loss last year.``

The West Indies, led by retired captain Richie Richardson, lost their first test series in 15 years to Mark Taylor`s Australians in the Caribbean.

Source :: Daily News (http.//www.lanka.net)