Windies better in one-dayers says Lara

LONDON: Encouraged by the view that his team is more potent in the limited overs version of the game, West Indies captain Brian Lara believes the Caribbean side can be competitive in the International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy tournament, starting this weekend. The Windies have recalled the experienced pacer Merv Dillon, batsman Wavell Hinds and wicket-keeper/batsman Courtney Browne and the embattled Lara is hopeful the team will not just be making up the numbers in the ICC Champions Trophy.

“We are much better at the shorter version of the game. It’s about guys playing good cricket spontaneously,” said the West Indies captain. West Indies must overcome Group “B” rivals South Africa and Bangladesh, who they open against next Wednesday, to reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. “The most important thing is that when we face them on the 18th, hopefully having got over Bangladesh, we’ve got to show we’re capable of beating them. “It’s a situation we’re not going to be taking lightly,” said Lara.

There has been speculation about Lara’s position as skipper in the wake of the team’s 4-0 Test series defeat in England.  But he again indicated his desire to continue his international career whether he is captain or not. “It’s been my life for the last 15 years, playing international cricket. Whatever position they want me to hold, I’m going to do that at least for the next two to three years —  and enjoy it,” said Lara. “We’ve got to get all the astute thinkers in West Indies cricket coming forward, making suggestions and planning our future.  But I promise, it’s not going to change this month, it’s not going to change next month. It’s going to take a long time before we get it back to where we want it to be,” Lara said.