We fear England but can win the World Cup - Lara
Brian Lara says that, while he is confident West Indies will lift the trophy on home soil, England - and of course Australia - shouldn't be written off
Online exclusive by Nick Harper
09-Mar-2007
West Indies captain Brian Lara has high hopes of captaining his side to glory at this year's World Cup in the Caribbean, but he knows it's going to be no easy task
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What chance do West Indies have of lifting the World Cup?
I'm quietly confident we can win it, and I think the players are confident of their ability to perform at such a huge event.
I'm quietly confident we can win it, and I think the players are confident of their ability to perform at such a huge event.
Is it an advantage or a disadvantage that you're the home side?
We know that the host nations haven't had a great record when it comes to winning, but we know the whole West Indian experience is very unique and we're going to play on the fact that we're accustomed to it. Let's just say I'm confident that we are going to have a very good World Cup.
We know that the host nations haven't had a great record when it comes to winning, but we know the whole West Indian experience is very unique and we're going to play on the fact that we're accustomed to it. Let's just say I'm confident that we are going to have a very good World Cup.
There's no question the squad has talent - Gayle, Chanderpaul, Bravo - but you've struggled recently to get everyone performing at once?
That's true, but what we have to do is create a greater number of matchwinners and spread the responsibility. Over the years, we have depended on three or four individuals, but we need to develop a larger group of players who can pull us through to a World Cup win, because the team that wins is going to be a team of players who can get them out of trouble if they lose their core performers. Australia have matchwinners throughout their line-up - any team that wants to compete with Australia will have to have that strength in depth.
That's true, but what we have to do is create a greater number of matchwinners and spread the responsibility. Over the years, we have depended on three or four individuals, but we need to develop a larger group of players who can pull us through to a World Cup win, because the team that wins is going to be a team of players who can get them out of trouble if they lose their core performers. Australia have matchwinners throughout their line-up - any team that wants to compete with Australia will have to have that strength in depth.
You've already said that you'll retire from one-day internationals after the World Cup, but might you be tempted to bow out altogether?
No, no, definitely not. I'm only 37 - a lot of players stretch their careers into their 40s, and I just think there's a lot of work to do to get West Indies cricket back on track. I think Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath had the luxury of bowing out at the top of their game, but also of leaving a team that was the best in the world. That's an ideal situation, though, and unfortunately it's not the same with me. Now is not the time to talk about details such as the infrastructure of the game and funding - that will come later - but all I can do is play my part on the field.
No, no, definitely not. I'm only 37 - a lot of players stretch their careers into their 40s, and I just think there's a lot of work to do to get West Indies cricket back on track. I think Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath had the luxury of bowing out at the top of their game, but also of leaving a team that was the best in the world. That's an ideal situation, though, and unfortunately it's not the same with me. Now is not the time to talk about details such as the infrastructure of the game and funding - that will come later - but all I can do is play my part on the field.
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What about Australia? Despite their recent poor run, is it fair to say that the World Cup is still theirs to lose?
No, I don't agree. They are favourites, and understandably so, but in the one-day game that doesn't guarantee anything. They're not invincible, as we saw with England in the recent triangular series. I don't think they're guaranteed to get any further than the semi-finals, which is still two big, big matches away from winning the final.
No, I don't agree. They are favourites, and understandably so, but in the one-day game that doesn't guarantee anything. They're not invincible, as we saw with England in the recent triangular series. I don't think they're guaranteed to get any further than the semi-finals, which is still two big, big matches away from winning the final.
Speaking of England, do they have a chance?
"Yeah, most definitely. The fact they took something away from the Australian tour, even if it wasn't the Ashes themselves... well, it augurs well for the World Cup. They beat Australia in Australia, so they'll go into the World Cup with huge confidence. If Kevin Pietersen can return and Michael Vaughan is back and fully fit, England are capable of competing with and beating the very best in the world. You'd be stupid to ever write them off."
"Yeah, most definitely. The fact they took something away from the Australian tour, even if it wasn't the Ashes themselves... well, it augurs well for the World Cup. They beat Australia in Australia, so they'll go into the World Cup with huge confidence. If Kevin Pietersen can return and Michael Vaughan is back and fully fit, England are capable of competing with and beating the very best in the world. You'd be stupid to ever write them off."
Do you fear them?
Absolutely, yes. They have players in their team capable of dismantling any team in the world: Pietersen, Flintoff, Panesar. You just can't write them off.
Absolutely, yes. They have players in their team capable of dismantling any team in the world: Pietersen, Flintoff, Panesar. You just can't write them off.
For the full interview with Lara, London-based UK readers can pick up a copy of Sport, the new weekly sport and lifestyle magazine, which is published every Friday