Web Posted - Thu Jun 10 2004

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Brian Lara said yesterday he is rejuvenated and excited to take on England and New Zealand, days after threatening to resign as West Indies captain because of poor play against Bangladesh in the first test.

The West Indies rallied in the second test against Bangladesh for a huge victory by an innings and 99 runs last week, turning the team’s spirits around in time for the England matches next week, he wrote in his regular column that appears in the Trinidad Guardian.

Both teams played to draw in the first test in St. Lucia and Lara said if the West Indies didn’t beat Bangladesh in the second and final test in Jamaica, he would consider stepping down as captain.

Separately, Lara noted his concern about injuries to fast bowler Fidel Edwards and other young players, who are breaking down far too frequently for his liking.

“I must express how worried I am about the spate of injuries to the young and very talented ones,” the 35-year-old said. “Fidel Edwards continuously finds himself on the physio table, and now has been sidelined for at least five times in his brief career.”

Edwards is unlikely to play in the England matches due to a strained hamstring.

Lara, a left-handed batsman, said he would try to not overwork the young players.

“Just look at them and you would wonder how they generate such pace with such small physiques. These guys bowl in the region of 90-miles and upwards, and surely the constant pounding will accentuate injury,” he said.

Lara also said he was pleased with the return of Omari Banks and the batting of Ramnaresh Sarwan, who scored his first double century in tests. Left-arm seamer Pedro Collins also came in for high praise from the West Indies skipper after claiming nine wickets in the match and breaking the back of the Bangladeshi batting, particularly in the second innings. However, Lara was most pleased with the one-day matches scheduled before the test action. He said this will help his young players adjust to the difficult English conditions while also giving his players a chance to observe the opposition up close and personal.

The West Indies team heads to England on Saturday for a triangular one-day series with England and New Zealand to start on June 16 ahead of a test series with the English in July.

Compliments of the Barbados Advocate

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