THE EDITOR, Sir:I WOULD like to extend my congratulations to Brian Lara for his magnificent and timely innings of 400 not out against an English attack that has dominated us during the current Test series. Amid cries for his scalp by respected journalists and commentators, the wily left-hander crafted an innings, with great poise and determination, which has cemented his place in cricket folklore.
While Lara's legend is secured, I am sure that there is one goal that he would like the team to achieve: becoming World Cup cricket champions in 2007, probably his last chance of representing the West Indies at that level of the game. This may be one of the few reasons why Lara still plays the game with the zest of a 20-year-old. I hope that the region's government leaders bear this in mind while they seek political mileage off of him.
The real problems surrounding West Indian cricket have not been addressed over the past decade. Besides Lara, the region has not produced any other world class player during that time frame. The Board has failed us by not developing the appropriate environment for success. It is clear to me that the talent exists based on the recent performances of our Under-19 team. The question is have our players been given the resources to succeed?
I hope that Lara insists that pressure is placed on the West Indies Cricket board to effect the change that is needed to bring home another World Cup championship and create a renaissance in West Indian cricket among the youth.
I am, etc.,
BLAIR A. WILLIAM (Trini)
trini_typhoon@hotmail.com
Harrisburg, PA
Via Go-Jamaica
