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

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...