Lara Wants to Play Through 2007 World Cup

West Indies batting maestro Brian Lara has hinted he would continue playing for the regional team through the 2007 World Cup once he can command a place in the team.

Lara, recovering from a shoulder injury in his native Trinidad and Tobago, said he is motivated to continue playing international cricket "until at least the 2007 Cricket World Cup, which will be played in the Caribbean," according to a report by BBC Sports.

"But I do not want to become a liability to the West Indies cricket team and if I feel that is the case at any time, then I will make my exit."

Lara, who has scored 7,221 runs in 83 Tests (Avg. 50.49), has bee plagued by a series of injuries and personal problems in the past but, in his latest remarks, he insisted he still has the hunger for international cricket.

The 32-year-old left-hander, who made headlines recently after he was accused of abusing his model girlfriend, believes it is only a matter of time before the Caribbean side gets back among the elite teams.

While admitting the current team, which has lost 23 of the last 27 overseas matches, is a shadow of the great sides of the 1970s and 1980s, Lara said the youngsters should be given a chance to learn the nuances of the game.

"I would expect that with normal progression, in a few years, when the West Indian players would have gained some experience, that we will start seeing much better performances from them. Just give us a little time to settle properly and I urge you all to be a bit more patient as I am sure that this team will come good in the end."