In a sense, Brian Lara has been very fortunate.
He has a second chance to prove himself worthy to rank among the great West Indies captains, names like Sir Frank Worrell, Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards.
LARA'S CAPTAINCY RECORD Tests
Wins 7, draws 2, losses 13 One-day internationals
Wins 23, losses 27, no results 1 |
Unless things change drastically, however, and in a hurry, he will probably not be remembered for the number of Test wins he achieves.
When Lara was first given the captaincy five years ago, he was simply too self-centred and immature, cricket-wise, for anyone's good, including his own.
Few were surprised by the team's subsequent implosion, given the volatile attitude of some members of his team.
Now Lara seems re-born as a leader, as a mentor and certainly as a batting example for the younger players.
He is approachable, communicative, helpful, adaptable and his cricket has come of age.
The timing has been perfect for him as less than a half of the present team were involved when Lara was first given the captaincy.
Luckily for him, the new brigade is very willing and enthusiastic, even if some are still learning the game. They have nothing to lose.
 Lara has shown plenty of patience with the youngsters in his team |
When Carl Hooper either abdicated or was removed from the captaincy, according to whichever version you believe, just before the sereis against Australia, the West Indies Board had no other option than to give the captaincy back to Lara.
None of the supposed rival candidates, including Ridley Jacobs, Wavell Hinds and Ramnaresh Sarwan were ready.
There were some who could not understand the move, but it simply was a case of 'horses for courses' - playing the Australians always brings out the best in Lara.
I doubt he imagined, however, how difficult his task would be, even though they were facing the acknowledged world champions.
Although he made centuries in the first two Tests, his team let him down badly, especially in the bowling department, although I maintain they should have won the second despite being set a target of 408.
In the third Test, the bowlers again let him down, but, under pressure, he still managed to bring his team back for the final Test and that historic win when they made a fourth innings record total of 418.
 The batting style still survives |
Some may suggest that, like Rohan Kanhai supposedly did for Clive Lloyd in the 1970s, moulding and unearthing talent, that Hooper also left Lara a team on the up.
There may be an element of truth in that but what is more important is that the West Indies team has become a unit, communicating with and encouraging each other, something significantly missing in his first tenure as captain.
This is due mainly to the 'new' Brian Lara, who is much more flexible and determined, appreciative of his position, and thankful for the 100% effort, if not always effectiveness, from players and supporters alike.
Now, all that Brian Lara has to do is win some Test match series in the near future, and maybe his captaincy will be remembered in the same way as his batting is sure to be.
MMIX
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