14 Wednesday 23rd January, 2008

by Anil Roberts statistics inherent to the win/loss ormer West Indies fast column. bowler has some- It is no secret that the West Fhow been able to convince Indies, under ?s cap- During his tenure, Lara has captained normally perceptive people at a taincy, has lost far more Test mately 52 different players at differe reputable media house in T&T that matches and ODIs than it has won. his scattered thoughts, carelessly However, to use this simple fact to Players of questionable competence, ab strewn on paper, are somehow cast aspersions on Lara?s charac- strength and character. Conversely Cliv worthy of publication. the ter, leadership qualities and com- last three weeks Mr Croft has con- mitment is not only unfair but privileged enough to only app tradicted himself as regularly as downright ridiculous. our local politicians. The fact of the matter is that 20 players during the period of his cap It all began on April 7, 2005 with Lara has captained some of the 1976 to 1985. his unwarranted, stinging attack worst teams ever assembled by the on Brian Lara's ability to lead the WICB. This, coupled with the vast West Indies. In the veins of a true improvements made by all oppos- simpleton, his entire argument ing teams in the cricketing world was based on during the same period, account the super- for those statistics. For example, ficial Lara captained a team which consisted of: , Suruj Ragoonath, Lincoln Roberts and Dave Croft mu Joseph as the top order against the might of Australia, with Glen McGrath, Shane apologis Warne, Gillespie, , , Mark Lara Taylor

and Ian Healey.Somehow, Brian , w managed a 2-2 tie in what has selected as the Technical Dire become known as ?The Shape Up of Bangladesh where Or Ship Out series.? helped them to qualify for the During his tenure, Lara has first-ever World Cup and laid captained approximately 52 differ- foundation for attaining Test ent players at different times. tus, while Players of questionable compe- selected to create and develop tence, ability, mental strength provincial cricket in South A and character. Conversely Clive I now challenge my reader Lloyd was privileged enough to add up the cumulative level p only captain approximately 20 of the Lara players. players during the period of his Furthermore, during the p captaincy from 1976 to 1985. of Lara?s captaincy, players h At this juncture, I wonder if been changed, coaches have b the volatile, hungry for success, changed, physiotherapists, tr intense Croft would have even ers, psychologists, venues and allowed himself to play alongside even sponsors have been freq the Lara players or would he ly replaced; yet, the WICB for have retired from the interna- intents and purposes remains tional game to protect himself intact. The irony is that the m from obvious humiliation. culprit responsible for the dem Furthermore, the mental and capitulation of West Indi capacity and educational levels of cricket has ensured his job se Lloyd's players was incredibly ty through constitutional pro high. Croft is a qualified pilot, tion. Holding is a graduate of UWI, Regardless of abject incom not only formed tence, total failure, lack of im the player's association but is nation, financial mis-manage Brian Lara also a financial consultant Andy disrespect of players and inse