Time for Lara to quit, says ex-Windies star Croft

Thursday, March 25, 2004

LONDON, England (AFP): Former West Indies Test player Colin Croft has joined the growing army of voices calling for Brian Lara to step down as skipper of the fallen Caribbean kings.

"Brian Lara should do the honourable thing now and fall on his sword," Croft told the BBC on Wednesday a day after the West Indies had lost the second Test to England by seven wickets to go 2-0 down in the four-match series. 

"He should say 'look I have given up' - like he did the first time - and play as a batsman and that's it.

"I am not saying the players will get any better - but they can't become any worse," added fast bowler Croft who took 125 wickets in his Windies Test career.

Lara, who has struggled for runs in the first two matches against England, had the misery of defeat in Port of Spain compounded by being fined half his match fee by referee Mike Procter for showing dissent towards the umpires.

Lara is currently in his second spell as captain.

His first three-year reign ended in January 2000 when he resigned after the West Indies were whitewashed on a tour to New Zealand. 

He was re-appointed after last year's World Cup but has come under pressure following Test series defeats to South Africa and Australia.

He is now in danger of presiding over the first West Indies team to lose a home series to England for the first time since 1968.

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version