I'm cutting down a bit in one-dayers Brian Lara Sri Lanka ODI series dates

Brian Lara has pulled out of the West Indies squad for the triangular one-day tournament against hosts Sri Lanka and India starting next month.

The star batsman did not play in the one-dayers against Pakistan last month and indicated he would cut down with a view to prolonging his Test career.

"(Lara) has sought, and been granted, permission by the board to miss the one-dayers," a WICB statement read.

Lara, 36, has scored 724 runs in five Tests since losing the captaincy.

Last week, the veteran insisted he would not outstay his welcome in the West Indies team and will play on only as long as his form warrants.

"I'm cutting down a bit in one-dayers, trying to concentrate on Tests to bring more length to my career," he said.

"At present I'm playing decent cricket but if I do become a liability to West Indies cricket I would step aside."

In the past, Lara has pinpointed the 2007 World Cup as a probable retirement date.

He holds the record for both the highest Test score and highest first-class score, 400 not out and 501 not out respectively.