Sport

Match rusty! - Lara blames failures on a lack of matches

Brian Lara - FILE

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, CMC

WEST INDIES BATTING star Brian Lara has blamed his wretched form in the Super Series One-Day Internationals (ODI) on lack of match practice.

The genius 36-year-old left, hander managed just scores of 0, 5 and 0 in his three innings as Australia completely dominated the World XI side to make a clean sweep of the three-Test series.

"I was short of competitive work," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Lara as saying recently.

"I hadn't played cricket since June against Pakistan, so it was always going to be tough coming up against the best team in the world and to get runs right away, especially in the one-day arena."

He continued: "With that behind me, and a couple more practice sessions and a version of the game I'm more comfortable with, Test cricket, I can get my act together. More of your natural ability comes out in Test cricket and I'm looking forward to it."

CONTRACT DISPUTE

Lara, who has accumulated 10,818 runs in 117 Tests to date, was one of several West Indies players who missed the two-Test tour to Sri Lanka because of a contract dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board and the players' union.

He last played for the West Indies in the home series against Pakistan which ended in early June.

Lara was one of several superstars on the World XI who failed to impress as Australia reiterated their status as the best ODI team in the world.

However, he said that despite their individual skill, the squad needed time to gel and he felt this would happen in the upcoming six-day Test.

"The guys here individually are very good players, they're great players," he said.

"It's just the team concept - it's always going to take us time. Hopefully we can do it in a Test match. The guys are going to be a little more composed. Your true character comes out in a Test."

He added: "I've had many ups and downs in my career. I've worked really hard on my game throughout. Every time I go out into the middle I say I have to give 100 per cent - and I do."

• Say your piece!
  If you've got an opinion, share it with the world on our Message Boards
•