Lara: We Turned the Tables

Sat, May 27, '06

When Brian Lara and the West Indies team took victory laps after the second and third ODI wins, some thought it was premature. What they did not know was that those laps were practice runs for the one to be taken after the series victory, achieved convincingly yesterday at Queen's Park Oval in Lara's Trinidad.

Playing at home is always special for the double world record holder, and after a string of low scores, the Captain made sure that he contributed with the bat yesterday in what probably will be his last two ODIs at this venue.

By the time Lara was out to a catch by Suresh Raina off Ramesh Powar for 69, West Indies were certainly a few steps from the victory door, requiring just 36 runs with the luxury of six wickets in hand. With chants of "India 'fraid Brian Lara" still coming from the Learie Constantine Stand, Dwayne Bravo and the recalled Wavell Hinds saw their team home.

The spectators were jubilant, but none more so than Peter Matthews, known for 'keeping the faith' through his untiring support of the team. "As a West Indian supporter, I am very proud of it. It was a long way in coming and I am very happy for Brian Lara and the whole West Indies team. I have shed a lot of tears but today I am very happy for the West Indies and all the Caribbean people just before we are ready to host the World Cup," said Matthews before running on to the field to join the team in their victory lap.

On a decent pitch, India knew that 217 was insufficient to pose a challenge to a determined team. "We were 25 ? 30 runs short of the pass score," said Rahul Dravid, citing 240 ? 250 as good scores on West Indian wickets. The Indian captain paid credit to spinners Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels. "I think both of them have bowled quicker through the air; they've bowled wicket to wicket; they've bowled in very good areas. They know these conditions; they know what length to bowl in these conditions," assessed Dravid.

Dwayne Bravo was thankful for the confidence his team mates placed in him knowing that he had been struggling for form in his previous batting performance. "I back my ability. I know once I get some balls under my belt, I will be fine," he said.

The all-rounder said he relishes bowling at the death. "Whenever there is a challenge, the best comes out in me," stated yesterday's Man of the Match who further added "the skipper can tell you, whenever is crunch time, I always ask for the ball. I always think that I can make a difference no matter what the situation is." Satisfied so far with his international career, he cites improving his batting consistency as one of his aims.

Greg Chappell may now wish to take back his statement that the West Indies have forgotten how to win. Calling it a "sly remark", Lara said the team took notice of it. "We turned the tables," the winning West Indian captain said but acknowledged that the team does falter on some occasions when they have put themselves in a position to win. "He might be right, but he hasn't been right these past few weeks!" quipped Lara.

One of the satisfying aspects of the victory according to Lara was that plans made off the field were executed very professionally on the field. The strategy for yesterday's game was discussed in a lengthy team meeting the night before. His message to his team mates was uncomplicated. India had their back against the wall, they were going to be desperate for a win and therefore a contribution from all eleven was required. "Everyone is making a contribution," said a pleased Lara who is placing emphasis during his third captaincy stint on the development of all players.

In response to a question about the duration of the team meeting ? 90 minutes ? Lara said "you listen to a guy like Chanderpaul speak and you understand what is going on. He has years of experience, loads of Test matches under his belt. The length of our meetings depend on how much information is coming, and if the guys are enjoying the meeting."

Lara said there would have been no celebrations last night. The West Indies have another game to win on Sunday. "I have already told guys that in 36 hours we will be back on the field and I stressed the importance of this game on Sunday," stated Lara yesterday.

He hinted that key players will be rested in order to give the less experienced players an opportunity in the final game. "If we are missing a couple of our top players and can still pull off a win, it shows us that we are starting to separate ourselves, at least from India, and moving on," he explained.