A fresh look The West Indies squad is looking for inspiration from Caribbean great Brian Lara before of a difficult two-Test series in Australia, which begins on January 17.
Lara, who will serve as a pundit for the series, took on extra obligations when he joined the Caribbean squad for its first practice session at the Adelaide Oval today, the site of the opening Test.
The West Indian batting master is attempting to prepare a mostly inexperienced West Indian squad for the big task that awaits them.
The West Indies team, which included seven uncapped players, was relieved to have someone of Lara’s prominence on their side.
“The knowledge he has is second to none,” Caribbean wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva said today.
“What he’s done for the game, what he’s done for West Indian cricket on his own… just having him around, just his presence speaks for itself.”
“He’s worked with everyone (on the current squad), he’s our mentor, so he’ll be helping everyone, bowlers and batters.” “He has so much experience that I believe everyone can learn from him,” he continued.
West Indies are winless in their previous 16 Tests in Australia, having last won a Test against the Aussies in the 2000-01 season.
The youthful West Indian squad, captained by Kraigg Brathwaite, has their work cut out for them against the well-oiled Australian side, coached by Pat Cummins.