Lara was frustrated by lack of support, says Clive Lloyd

According to former captain and manager Lloyd, Lara felt hehad not been getting the support he needed and the pressure of the job was affecting his batting.

“He obviously felt frustrated with the system that we have,” Lloyd told BBC Radio Five live.

“As captain, he probably felt that he wasn’t getting enough support, particularly regarding team selection.

“It was just frustration and it was hampering his game. He couldn’t play his natural game because he doesn’t have a lot of support down there.

“I think a few players are coming through and I think he might have been able to hold out for a little longer. I think his resignation is a great disappointment.”

Lloyd said he did not know whether Lara’s resignation had anything to do with former Test all-rounder Roger Harper being appointed West Indies coach ahead of Viv Richards, whom Lara had backed for the post.

Harper confident

KINGSON:Harper, the only spinner to command a regular place in the great West Indies’ sides of the 1980s, is confident he can handle an even more exacting challenge — coaching the present team.

At a news conference on Sunday, Harper responded to criticism of his appointment by pointing out he had enjoyed some success as coach of West Indies a from 1997 to 1999.

“If I did not think I could do this job I would not have thrown my hat in the ring,” Harper said.

Harper, who will be assisted by former West Indies’wicket-keeper Jeff Dujon, said the coaching staff would be emphasising technique, tactical awareness, fitness and discipline.

The new management team, which also includes Richards Kerritt (manager), Ronald Rogers (sports therapist) and Rudi Webster (performance consultant), has no immediate role for long-serving Australian physiotherapist Dennis Waight.

Waight has been associated with the West Indies’ team since Kerry Packer’s rebel World Series in 1977-78.

West Indies cricket board vice-president Clarvis Joseph told the news conference Rogers would take over the trainer’s duties but said Waight could still be employed in another capacity.

“We have a planned programme that we have to discuss with Dennis Waight to see if he is interested in further employment,” Joseph said.

The immensity of Harper’s task in a critical year for West Indies’ cricket, highlighted by a tour of England starting in May, was underlined by respected Barbados commentator Tony Cozier.

Cozier said the “depressing devaluation” of present on-field standards could be traced back to the lack of development programmes when West Indies were the world’s supreme team.

“The rampant indiscipline that has undermined the present generation can be sourced to the self-centred superstars who were allowed to do as they please,” Cozier wrote in his êISunday SunêR newspaper column.