Lara says it’s now or never

The left-handed double world record holder made his feelings public in an article in the latest edition of the Wisden Cricketer magazine.

"I have had my opportunity; I have had two goes at it. I have not been successful but most importantly, I have tried my best. I don’t think I would do it again. I think they should be looking at younger players. The only way I could be captain again is if I am captain now, with the continuity," he told Wisden.

Lara lost the West Indies captaincy after he made himself unavailable for the First Test match against South Africa in Guyana because of a sponsorship row which led to several players then contracted to Cable and Wireless being omitted by the West Indies selectors following directives from the WICB.

"The way I lost my captaincy, that is all water under the bridge but I don’t think the troubles are over. I would hope so, all I want to do is play cricket but I have my personal rights and team rights to respect.

"There are times when you can’t cross the line and times when administrators and sponsors can’t cross the line," said Lara.

Lara was in England and delighted children at the William Ellis School in north London with a few coaching lessons.

He reportedly offered batting advice, held a question and answer session as well for the computer game — Brian Lara International Cricket 2005.

"I have played it, it is interesting but I play the real thing! We’re trying to encourage kids to play the game and then actually get out in the middle and play the actual sport," noted 36-year-old Lara.

The West Indies are due to tour England in 2007 and Lara also stated: "I’d liked to end my career here. I will play as long as I am not a liability. If I can continue making runs and get selected that will be fine."

Interestingly Lara’s sponsorship contract with Cable and Wireless comes to an end this month and it is left to be seen if he will renew the contract given the fact that another telecommunications giant Digicel has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the WICB.