WIPA salutes Brian Lara

WEST INDIES Players Association (WIPA) president Dinanath Ramnarine dispatched a letter of congratulation to Brian Lara,  immediately on achieving  the world record Test score of 400 not out against England at the Antigua Recreation Ground, Antigua on Monday. The text of Ramnarine’s message read:

“Dear Brian,
“We, fellow members of the West Indies Players Association, collectively congratulate you as a group, on your monumental achievement in the fourth and final Test match in the 2004 series against England at the Antigua Recreation Ground on April 12. “You have inspired us and rekindled our pride as West Indian cricketers. “As a group we have been the butt of the most bruising criticism ever unleashed against a cricket team by cricket commentators and many ‘fair-weather’ fans, and moreover, as captain, you have taken more punishment than we have collectively.

“Remarkably, in the face of all this, you were able to reclaim your world Test cricket record and become the first in the 400-year history of the game to score 400 Test runs in a single innings! “In achieving this you have taught us many lessons, among them the virtue of always being positive, focussed and committed to excellence. “As players we can only pledge our resolve to use your fine example to rebuild our game and restore the glory of West Indian cricket.

“As president of our association I assure you that your fellow players were always confident that you could reclaim your world record and establish a new standard in the process. And I don’t mean to burden you when I say we look forward to even more from you. You are nowhere near your peak. “We say thanks for your contribution, your leadership and the unselfish role you have accepted in preparing West Indian cricket for a better future. “Our love, admiration and very best wishes to you!”