India Beware: Lara Back in the Nets

West Indies batting champion Brian Lara is back. He returned to the nets at the Queen's Park Oval under the eyes of his physiotherapist, Lisa Niles, and a group of interested spectators.

During his first net session yesterday after missing the recent tour of Sharjah where the West Indies were beaten by Pakistan in both the Test and One-day series, Lara was middling the ball during his 20-minute knock.

Lara, 32, got injured during the One-day series in Sri Lanka when he collided with Marvan Attpatu, and dislocated his left elbow.
Two other West Indians who were injured during the tour of Sharjah, pacers Mervyn Dillon and Darrel Brown, also returned to action and bowled to Lara.

After his session, Lara said, "I felt all right and I am very keen and enthusiastic to start playing again."

When asked about how his arm was, he explained, "When I drive or play up the line, everything is okay. When I cut or flick on the onside and have to stretch the arm out, it is painful, especially if I miss the ball."

His therapist, looking on at Lara, Dillon and Brown, said, "He (Lara) has come on well. He could expect some discomfort at first, but he will find less pain and restriction each day, as long as he does not over do it."

Lara said, "I am keen to get back out in the field. I am almost certain that I would be fit for India, but I want to have a few matches before that."

He demonstrated how much the arm is still bent when at rest, about four inches shorter than the right arm. Niles explained that there is an automatic protective flexion of the muscles and that will be corrected in time. She is quite pleased with his improvement and feels that he will be ready for the Test series.

Lara said he was happy to see Dillon and Brown back in action. "Mervyn was very consistent in Sri Lanka and in Sharjah and has come on as the leading West Indies Test bowler. Darrel had his opportunity to play for the West Indies and was injured. Hopefully when he is fit again, he will get his chance again," said Lara.

Dillon said he is feeling very well and keen to play as soon as possible, even a club match would please him.

"Brown still has some stiffness in his left Achilles tendon but again, his is a temporary thing that would improve gradually as he continues to exercise," said Niles.

* SOURCE: Trinidad Guardian.