ST JOHN’S (Antigua), May 4: Newly appointed captain Ramnaresh Sarwan feels the West Indies can prove on the forthcoming tour of England that there is life left in the team after Brian Lara’s retirement.

Sarwan admitted Lara’s departure has left a void in the batting, but it also provides an opportunity for others to take centre stage.

“Lara was a tremendous player for us and for the world, but this is an opportunity for us to show our skills, and what we are made of. It cannot be a one-man show,” Sarwan stated.

“We know what is ahead of us, and it is very important we pull together as a team and support each other,” he added. “We know it will be tough, but if we get team’s full support, the management staff, and administrators it will make the job easier, so I am looking forward to that support to take the West Indies cricket forward.”

Sarwan, who has scored 4,268 runs at 44.83 in 64 Tests, asserted he would need to show a greater maturity in his batting. “Obviously, I have been dismissed in the past playing rash strokes, but I think this may be a blessing in disguise.

“The captaincy will mean I have to show more responsibility which is something I probably needed, so it is something I am looking forward to. It’s an opportunity and I am going to try and make best use of it,” Sarwan said. —Agencies