Lara: Rebellious Soul, Passionate Heart

In the sometimes wonderful drama that is West Indies Cricket, there were several interesting sub-plots emerging when the second Test got underway at Queens Park Oval here on Friday.

It was the first game since the return of the so-called Cable and Wireless ?rebel? players, with all but Brian Lara, temporarily released from their controversial contracts.

But the issue was never far below the surface, as evident by the fact of the TSTT life- sized erection of Brian Lara posters on buildings close to the Queens Park Oval

It declared: "All the Best, Brian Lara. We never let you down."

It was a more than subtle message from the Cable and Wireless affiliate, suggesting it has always been on the side of the players.

Digicel hit back Saturday with full page advertisements with Lara, hands and bats raised in triumph, sporting his Digicel shirt.

It declared: "Congratulations Brian Lara on becoming No.1 West Indies Centurion."

Then of course, its big logo followed: "Digicel, Proud sponsors of West Indies Cricket."

The Cable and Wireless message contrasted with Digicel. The former, clearly seeking to promote the concept that, somehow the players were let down in the dispute ? left on their own to dry.

* Live Commentary -- West Indies vs. South Africa!

Digicel?s take? We?re supporting the team, whoever makes up that team.

As the runs oozed from Lara?s bat on Friday and this morning too; and (after months of acrimony) as the magic returned, the thousands of adoring fans at the Queens Park Oval ? basked in the moment that belonged to both the player and the team.

For six magic hours, it never felt like a house divided against itself.

While we have heard all the stories, and have our own ideas that sometimes makes us more confused than enlightened, Lara?s eternally saving grace, is that his bat can do the talking, putting the final exclamation to every debate.

Lara?s problem has been that he has a rebellious soul and a passionate heart. And the two modes often contradict each other. That?s why sometimes fans fret and cheer in the same breath.

Lara has scored more test runs than most players, but yet this innings was as if he was proving himself again ? not as the great player he is ? but as a member of the team.

When he pulled Monde Zondeki for two to get to his 27th Test ton on Friday, the celebration was as much in relief as in triumph; the vibe as if it was a 19 year old scoring his first ton.

Lara may soon find that now that his crown of thorns, which has been his captaining, has been removed, his crucifixion will no longer be imminent. He can concentrate on what he does best ? make runs ? and ensure a deserving redemption.

As if it was destined, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the man who replaced Lara as skipper was the one at the crease when he reached his century. The embrace was warm and genuine ? anything but staged.

Chanderpaul himself received the warmest of receptions from the crowd, when he arrived at the crease, to add 95 with Lara. The crowd, mostly loyal Trinis with West Indian hearts, had come to celebrate with their prince and to salute the team.

This is an era when there has been a lot of talk about the interest of the individual and the team ? as if both necessarily have to be at war. Yesterday, the individual brilliance came to rescue the team.

Lara?s words at the post match press conference suggested he was playing not merely for himself and not just for the entire team ? but a special part of the team.

Lara said afterwards: ?I think we needed the replacement players, Gayle, Sarwan and Bravo to come up triumphant today. Hinds and Chanderpaul handled their stories well in Guyana. I think it was necessary.?

West Indies Cricket has seen some dark days; yesterday was not one of those.

The team stood firm on a foundation built by its one individually great player.

* Live Commentary -- West Indies vs. South Africa!