Lara’s theme for 2001 is not to retire

JAN 1: Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara today insisted he had no thoughts of taking early retirement but admitted that his side's ...

JAN 1: Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara today insisted he had no thoughts of taking early retirement but admitted that his side’s recent decline had left "a huge scar on not only my career but on me as a person".

Lara, who has hit form in just one innings on the current tour with 182 in the third Test, told BBC Radio from Australia where his team are trailing 4-0 in a one-sided Test series, that he could carry on at the top level for another three or four years even though he is feeling the strain of attempting to hold together a largely inexperienced side.

The 31-year-old Trinidadian, who holds the world record for a Test innings of 375 against England in St John’s, Antigua and is also the holder of the record for the highest score in first-class cricket 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994, said he wanted to guide the West Indies back to form before stepping away from the pressure.

Story continues below this ad

"I had a little sabbatical away from the game but no thoughts of retiring have entered my mind," he told the BBC.

"It’s tough, cricket. Getting into your 30s you don’t feel the same like in your early 20s.

"I’ve been suffering from a few injuries but to leave West Indies cricket at this time is not the sort of thing that I’d like to do.

"I’m someone who believes in success, someone who believes in seeing great things happen and I’d love to see West Indies cricket come back on top.

Story continues below this ad

"When I leave the game I’ve still got to watch and I want to watch what’s going on at present. I want to watch a West Indies team that is back on its feet and doing well.

"If I can play a little part now before I leave I’d love to do that. So retiring is really and truly not at the forefront of my thinking."

Lara added: "I’m just 31 now and batsmen normally go into their late 30s. I’d love to play in another series against England and I can’t leave my career losing against England.

"I’m looking forward to that at least and that would be in another three or four years."

Story continues below this ad

He admits the West Indies decline is worrying and although he sees long-term hope in inexperienced youngsters coming through, he traces the start of the slide back at least 10 years due to a lack of forward planning.

"It’s been very tough. Over the past three years, we’ve lost 15 Tests out of 17 away from home and that is damaging psychologically," he revealed.

"These are things you never thought would happen in West Indies cricket while you were watching on the outside.

"Now you’re part of it, it’s damaging enough. It’s something you’ve got to work to get out of. That’s my aim at the present.

Story continues below this ad

"To see West Indies regain some sort of hope for the future, some sort of success. If I go out when West Indies cricket is on the up, then I’ll be a happy person."

People look at a burnt police vehicle during protests against social media ban and corruption in Kathmandu, Nepal

Shelter in homes, avoid going out: MEA issues travel advisory for Indian citizens in Nepal

India2 hr ago

The Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian citizens to postpone travel to Nepal until the situation stabilizes. Those already in Nepal are urged to stay in their residences, follow local safety advisories, and seek guidance from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. Emergency helpline numbers have also been provided.

View all shorts

Live Blog