PORT-OF-SPAIN, Dec 29: Just months after quitting international cricket, former West Indies captain Brian Lara is set to return to the domestic game and represent Trinidad and Tobago in the next championship.

Deryck Murray, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president, confirmed the news at a press conference, saying his earlier conversation with Lara culminated in his decision to come back and play regional first-class cricket. Lara had earlier participated in the recently-concluded Indian Cricket League (ICL), captaining Mumbai Champs.

“Brian can make a great contribution to Trinidad and Tobago cricket in the future, in terms of the development of the game and in administration,” Murray said.

Murray noted further that Lara’s contribution to the national team is more of a motivating factor for the rest of the team as they begin their defense of the Challenge Trophy on Jan 4 against Guyana.

“Lara’s experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the team,” Murray said. “We are the champions of the Caribbean, the team to beat and every game will be a final.”

Being the highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 11,953 runs and the holder of the world records for the highest individual Test and first-class scores, Murray said the board would use the opportunity to give Lara a proper farewell.

“Everyone was taken by surprise when he announced his retirement and I think this is the perfect opportunity for us to say thank you for what he has done for local cricket.”—Agencies