WI need Lara now says Sir Viv

Sir Vivian Richards, a former chairman of the West Indies selection panel, believes Lara should be in the regional team that opposes New Zealand in a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series ahead of a three-match Test series.

In keeping with what seems to be a recent policy by the selectors, the 36-year-old multiple world record-holder is being rested for the five ODIs between February 18 and March 4 before flying out to join the squad for the Test series, starting on March 9.

"It is not right in my mind that we will have one of the best players ever (missing) when West Indies need the sort of support at this stage, going away from home, playing in New Zealand," Sir Viv said.

"We all know New Zealand conditions can be very, very tough. Let us hope that we may consider these sort of things.

"A team that has been failing for some time needs its best player," the Antiguan said.

The former West Indies captain was speaking after the presentation of a US$100,000 cheque to the Barbados Cricket Association for their participation in the upcoming Stanford 20/20 Tournament.

Sir Viv is one of 14 cricket legends acting as ambassadors for the tournament.

Lara’s experience of 121 Tests and 248 ODIs would have been vital, Sir Viv added.

"I would love more than anything else to see our best team in New Zealand. We have a lot of young, inexperienced players who will be on tour," he said.

When Lara was rested for three ODIs against Pakistan last May, West Indies coach Bennett King said it was a move that was designed to prolong his career.

"We want to see Brian play for as long as he can. Sometimes, with people who are a little bit older, you have to manage them a little bit differently," King said then.

"He has been a great player over a longtime.

"If we want to see him for another couple of years in the West Indies, we have to manage his short-term future correctly as well."