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| November 10, 2006 | Friday | Shawwal 17, 1427 |
We should quickly adapt to red ball for Tests: Lara
LAHORE, Nov 9: The captain of the touring West Indies cricket team, Brian Lara said on Thursday that his side had been playing the limited overs version of the game for quite sometime now and it was very important for them to make a quick transition from the white ball to the red one ahead of the Pakistan Test series.
“It's a tough situation as we don't have much time to prepare for the Test matches, but I'm sure the true skills of our guys will hold us in good stead,” said Lara.
“I still feel we have players who are capable of adapting to the Test arena after the one-dayers pretty quickly. Guys like (Ramnaresh) Sarwan and (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul are very experienced at Test cricket so we're banking on their experience to get into the groove very quickly,” he said.
On his expectations from the team in the three-Test series, Lara said the main focus was on the younger players who looked good and keen to get the team through. “My job is to mould them into a successful team. In the one day game we are playing very good cricket but in Test arena we need to improve. This is what Test cricket is all about, it's a true test of character and this is going to be a very good series (against Pakistan).”
“We have a very good team, a good combination of batsmen, fast bowlers and spinners. It's going to be a good series. I'm looking forward to the competition.”
Commenting on his team’s advantage in the absence of Pakistan pace bowlers Shoaib Akthar and Mohammed Asif, Lare said, “Let's not hide the fact, it will be an advantage but it's not the sort that you'd want. It's not the sort any opposing team would want to have.”
“I got to know Shoaib well during the ICC Super Series in Australia and he's a very good friend of mine, a very nice person. It's an unfortunate situation so I hope things work out as quickly as possible.”
On any security concerns regarding play in Pakistan, the master batsman said his wam was quite happy and comfortable playing cricket in the country. “No one has any fears at all. Pakistani people are very hospitable since the time we've been here. I hope they come out to watch cricket, not only the one-dayers but also the Test matches.”
“Pakistan is going through a tough period both on and off the field and will need lot of support. Cricket in general needs lot of support. I'd love to see public come out to support the home team and to see some good cricket.”
Playing down comparisons between himself and rival skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, Lara said: “I do not like comparisons and especially any comparisons with myself and anyone. The best team is going to win this series not any one individual. Of course a team is made up of talented people and you can have match-winners on any given day, but I think the whole concept of team success is foremost. Pakistan has some very classy players in Mohammad Yousuf and a few others.” - Agencies
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