Lara was unable to produce a batting miracle for his team

Lara has been confirmed as captain for next month's ICC Champions Trophy, but his position beyond that is in doubt.

England's 10-wicket triumph at The Oval made it seven wins from eight Tests against Lara's team this year after a 3-0 success in the Caribbean.

But he said: "I want my employers to know that I am here, willing to serve them in whatever capacity."

Lara was given a standing ovation by the crowd after being dismissed for 15 on the final day in what will probably his last Test on English soil.

The 35-year-old admitted it was highly unlikely he would still be playing when they next tour England in 2010.

But he insisted he was not contemplating retirement in the near future.

"I've seen captains in the past who have given up when they've been sacked. I'm going to be around for a long time - I'm willing to do whatever job the West Indies Cricket Board wants me to do.

Chris Gayle's hundred provided some consolation for Lara

"It's my duty to be there to be an elder statesman in the West Indies cricket team for quite some time to come as long as I remain as an asset to the team," he told the BBC.

How to turn the team's fortunes around remains the major challenge facing the WICB, but Lara insisted his side did not lack talent.

"It's going to be very difficult to get a quick fix after a result such as this. We set a lot of targets in the dressing room, but we achieve less than 50% of them.

"When we look like achieving them, the guys seem to get a bit nervous and it doesn't happen.

"Most importantly, I think maybe we need a psychologist who can help us, not just as a group - each individual needs to be worked on to ensure they understand what international cricket is all about.

"We're asking some very young guys to do a big man's job and they need every bit of help possible."

Lara paid a generous tribute to England, who wrapped up the final Test with two days to spare.

"They played really well. On the second morning when they were down to 321-7, that's when we really lost it. To get 470 from that stage really killed us.

"Congratulations must go to Michael Vaughan and his team. I want to wish them all the best against South Africa and for the all important Ashes series next year."