07 August 2004	Saturday	20 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

PORT OF SPAIN, Aug 6: Trinidad and Tobago President George Maxwell Richards has come out in support of beleagured West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara.

Under Lara's leadership, the West Indies have lost five of the last six tests they have played, with calls mounting for him to step down as captain after defeat in the first two tests against England.

But president Richards expressed support for the batting star, stating that he had been following the current series in England, and wanted to let Lara know there were many people at home who had confidence in his leadership.

"It is clear Lara is doing all that is possible with the present crop of players who themselves must be encouraged to make maximum use of their talent and abilities", the president said in a statement. If Lara stays "he will be able to lead the West Indies back to a place of pre-eminence in the world," Richards added. -AFP