New captain Ramnaresh Sarwan (right) replaces Brian Lara and will play his first Test as skipper starting on May 17. - dellmar

st. john's, antigua (cmc)

Ramnaresh Sarwan feels West Indies can prove on the tour of England that there is life left in the team after Brian Lara's retirement.

The new West Indies captain admitted Lara's departure left a void in the team's batting, but it also provided an opportunity for others to take centre stage.

Tremendous player

"Brian was a tremendous player for us and for the world, but this is an opportunity for us to show our skills and what we are made of. It cannot be a one-man show," remarked Sarwan.

The right-handed batsman was speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment to the position of West Indies captain.

It followed the announcement of the team which came in a special link-up on the CMC Carib Vision channel, and was also broadcast throughout the region on television and radio.

"We know what is ahead of us and it is very important that we pull together as a team and support each other," Sarwan added.

"We know that it will be tough, but if we get the full support of the team, the management staff, and the administrators, I think it will make the job a whole lot easier, so I am looking forward to that support to take West Indies cricket forward."

Sarwan, who has scored 4,268 runs at an average of 44.83 in 64 Tests, noted he would need to show a greater level of maturity in his batting.

Blessing in disguise

"Obviously, I have got out in the past playing rash strokes, but I think this may be a blessing in disguise," he said.

"The captaincy will mean I have to show more responsibility, which is something I probably needed, so it is something I am looking forward to. It's an opportunity and I am going to try and make the best use of it."

West Indies are set to face England in Tests at Lord's (May 17-21), Headingley (May 25-29), Old Trafford (June 7-11), and the Riverside Ground (June 15-19).