Mitchell bats for Lara - ... but only if he enhances team unity

GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor
WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Caribbean leader in charge of the political body which oversees cricket in the region is willing to bat for the recall of Brian Lara to the West Indies, but only if the retired star's inclusion would not disrupt the team's harmony.

Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and head of CARICOM's sub-committee on cricket, responding to questions about West Indies cricket here shortly after England completed a 3-0 Test series win over the regional team last week, said Lara's unquestioned ability as a batsman would make him an automatic selection for a Caribbean side which continues to stumble through poor performances.

However, Mitchell said the West Indies was being moulded into a more cohesive group and if the Trinidadian, who holds the world record for most runs scored in Tests and the highest individual score in the five-day game, could not fall in line then he would not support Lara's return.

"Don't forget, Brian's position right now is not just about his ability to make the team as a batsman, but, in fact, if his presence, would be a plus or minus within the team concept right now," explained Mitchell, who was in the United States capital here as part of the Caribbean heads of government delegation to the Conference on the Caribbean: A 20/20 Vision.

"Don't forget they're stressing the unity of a team and the oneness of approach in how they go forward. So, one has to examine that. I can't say I have a view on that (whether or not Lara should be included) because I am not in there (the team structure) to know what effect his (Lara's) presence or absence is having on the team unity at this particular time," he added.

Lara retired from international cricket after captaining a West Indies team that failed to make it to the semi-final round of Cricket World Cup 2007, the game's biggest one-day tournament, which was played in the Caribbean.

The 38-year-old 'Prince of Port-of-Spain' is regarded among the greatest batsmen to play the game, but was dogged throughout his 17-year career by allegations that he did not totally buy into the team concept. However, Lara has always maintained that the interest of West Indies cricket was his primary concern and expressed pride in being able to represent the region's team. Since his announced retirement, Lara has issued hints that his hunger for the international game may not have been totally extinguished.

Mitchell is convinced that Lara's playing ability can still boost the struggling West Indies, yet he appeared unsure if the batsman's re-inclusion would be right for the current team.

"We all know he can make the team still as a batsman, and of course that would be a positive," Mitchell said.

"But if it won't enhance the united efforts of the team and the oneness of approach - then I don't know that it would be the best thing to do at this time."

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.