LONDON, (Reuters) -
AN English village cricket team bankrolled by a multi-millionaire is hoping to recruit Brian Lara and is so confident of succeeding it has registered his name with league officials.
Simon Noble - head of a Caribbean-based internet betting company - has been in contact with the West Indies batsman and was absolutely serious about the proposal, the London Evening Standard said yesterday.
Noble sponsors the Lashings club, based in Maidstone, southern England, and the report says the club already boasts the services of former West Indies players Richie Richardson, Stuart Williams and Junior Murray.
"My support for Lashings is because they have given several young West Indian players a chance to develop their game in England," Noble was quoted as saying from his headquarters in Antigua.
"For them to have an opportunity to play cricket with Brian Lara would be an unforgettable experience.
"It's non-pressure cricket at grass-roots level. He could relax and enjoy himself and have a lot of fun," he added.
Lara, who holds the record for the highest Test score of 375, is on tour with the West Indies in Australia. The report said Noble had been communicating with him by fax.
