Logie expects bouncers for WI captain

LONDON: Brian Lara expects the England fast bowlers to come up with something similar to the Shoaib Akhtar bouncer that struck his neck and left him dizzy in the Champions Trophy cricket semifinal, West Indies coach Gus Logie said yesterday. The West Indies captain hopes to face England in today’s final at the Oval, but Logie said Lara was still bruised after taking a blow on the back of his neck. “It is just bruising,” Logie said. “We were in the gym this morning and Brian was there first thing. He is in good spirits and knowing Brian he will want to play and lead his side. I am certainly not going to stand in his way.”

Lara lay on the ground for several minutes and was forced to leave the field at the Rose Bowl, but West Indies went on to beat Pakistan by seven wickets to reach the final. England beat world champion Australia by six wickets at Edgbaston for their first one-day victory in 15 matches over their tradition rivals. Lara will face Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff, who are both capable of bowling quick bouncers, although veteran Darren Gough has lost most of his pace.

“We have noticed how England have bowled at Brian and I am sure he will be preparing for that,” Logie said. “Every batsman knows he might get hit from time to time and I am sure this is just one of those blows, although this is the most serious I have seen Brian take. “Something like this is likely to make Brian all the more determined to prove what a good batsman he is and play a big innings in the final.”