MULTAN, Nov 21: Brian Lara says it is more important for the West Indies to turn up the heat on Pakistan than for him to push on for a triple century when the second Test resumes on Wednesday.
“I am not necessarily looking at a triple century...it is all about getting a couple more partnerships to put Pakistan under pressure,” Lara told reporters in a post-match news conference.
“I don't look at my innings in a personal context. What matters is we are in a good position in this match and we try to finish it off well. If that happens it would add value to my runs.”
“I knew we needed to target someone with the second new ball coming up,” said the 37-year-old left-hander. “But there was nothing going on in my mind facing him, I just watched the flight and concentrated playing through mid-on and mid-off.”
Lara, the highest scorer in tests, became the fifth batsman to score a century before lunch as he compiled his fourth hundred in four Tests against Pakistan.
“I am very enthusiastic every time I go out and I want to do well. I want to see West Indies do well and I have the energy and desire to carry on,” said the veteran batsman.
Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis described Lara's knock as the work of a genius. “The dangerous thing for us is he is still there,” said Waqar. “The pitch has eased and is good for batting and we need to get him out early.”—Reuters