Lara just glad he's not facing Shoaib

Published September 25, 2004

LONDON, Sept 24: West Indies captain Brian Lara might need a few seconds to regain his nerve during Saturday's Champions Trophy final against England - but at least he will not have to face Shoaib Akhtar again.

Lara, who collapsed at the crease after being hit by a delivery from Pakistan pace bowler in the semifinals, told a news conference at The Oval: "There may be a little psychological moment to get over but I'm not too perturbed about it.

"It was the first time I had faced Shoaib and I'm glad I won't have to do it again on Saturday! I have faced England's bowlers many times and I know what to expect." Lara was led off on Wednesday and watched the rest of the seven-wicket victory over Pakistan from the pavilion.

"I was a bit dizzy, that's all. It was just a hit. I have been hit many times before. Nothing's broken. You just go straight back into the nets. It's finished, in the past." -Reuters

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