THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE noted the mixed reactions of Lara's quadruple century, made over the Easter weekend. While some people are happy others are refusing to give Lara the credit he deserves as a master batsman.
In a time when West Indies cricket is but a shadow of what it used to be, we see this great player almost single-handedly holding up the banner of our game and with it our West Indian pride.
Lara is the most successful batsman produced by the West Indies. With an average of 53.3 and a century every seven innings, two triple centuries, seven double centuries, and over 9,600 Test runs and counting, no other batsman can boast a more impressive record.
I will admit that as a leader his record is in contrast to his 'batsmanship'. However like any other profession one requires the necessary tools to do a good job. Minus Lara, there is no other batsman of world class standard in the team. In fact nobody else is rated in the PWC top 15.
Our bowling is in an even worse state; none of our bowlers are of exceptional quality. In fact, none of our bowlers who played in the last series has taken over 50 Test wickets. So I ask the question; are we truly justified in blaming our dismal performances solely on our captain?
The more successful captains, namely Lloyd and Richards, were generals in an army of greater warriors. While a captain must be able to inspire his players to perform, the players will still have to perform. This requires the ability to do so.
We are all hurting from the current form of W. I. cricket, but to blame Lara solely for this is unfair, and to play down his accomplishments as a batsman is unjust.
I am, etc.,
CHARLES McFARLANE
steppinstonez@hotmail.com
5 York Avenue, Kingston 11
Via Go-Jamaica
