Legendary Captain West Indies Brian Lara called on the current generation of players to re -represent their passion and hunger for representing the Caribbean in the test cricket. Lara, who spoke of the CEAT Cricket evaluation, stressed that this is not a tactical change or improvement of infrastructure that will have a difference, but the attitude and determination of players bring to the game.
“I would like to urge Roston Chase and other people to (say), have cricket in their hearts? Do they really want to play for Western India? And that is the most important thing because you would find a way. You would find a way,” Lara said, directing his message to the current test captain before the second test against India in Delhi.
Lara emphasized the contrast between the past and the present and stressed that the former West Indies, such as Viv Richards, have achieved success despite modest devices.
“We had no better equipment 30-40 years ago. Viv Richards Bat bat for a better training playground. We had to do the same, the same grind, but the passion was different. The passion for West India was different,” he said, urging young players to appreciate the opportunity to represent their region.
The veteran cricket also questioned the viability of the test cricket outside the “large three” nations and emphasized the challenges facing smaller cricket countries in drawing crowds and sponsorship. Lara, who quoted the first test against India, which ended up only three days at the almost empty Ahmedabad stadium, stressed that the fan of the fan’s interest is essential for the survival of traditional format.
“If you look at The Big Three, you look at England versus Australia in ashes, or recently in India playing in Australia or India playing in England, and you would think there was no bigger cricket day,” Lara said. “I watched India versus England in Lord’s and there’s nothing to compare. I hope the test cricket will not die, but its viability in other nations, smaller nations that really and truly test their funds.”
Lara closed by emphasizing the solution above despair and noted that while the interest in tests in West India may currently be low, the emphasis should be on finding ways to inspire players and fans.
“I’d rather want to find a solution to the problem rather than say,” I give up and that’s its end. “If you fail well as a nation and if something else appears, it’s more exciting, you can see it in the crowds.”
For Lara, the revival of West Indies Test Cricket is not better devices or infrastructure – it begins with the passion, pride and willingness of players to put your heart into the game.
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Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
October 7, 2025
