GRENADA: CRICKET - Fans give their reactions to the imminent retirement of Brian Lara

West Indies captain Brian Lara will bid an emotional farewell to international cricket on Saturday (April 21) when he plays his final match before retiring against England at Kensington Oval. The last game of the World Cup Super Eights had looked to be a meaningless affair, with both sides having failed to make the semi-finals, but Lara's surprise decision to quit on Thursday has transformed the occasion. Crowds going to Friday's game commented on Lara, his reputation and legacy. Opinions were divided - one said he was an undisciplined player, another said his career was on a downward path. Others said he had been great for cricket, and one man thought Lara still had two years left in the game. A full house is expected at the Oval, which will be the venue for next week's final, and Lara, one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, can expect a tremendous send-off from both home and visiting supporters. The 37-year-old Trinidadian holds the record for the top test score (400 not out) and highest in the first-class game (501 not out). He amassed 11,953 runs in 131 tests and 10,387 runs in 298 one-day internationals. The 400 not out was scored against Fletcher's England in Antigua in 2004. He also held the record in 1994 after scoring 375, again in Antigua and again against England. Lara had already announced he was quitting one-day internationals at the end of the World Cup but had been expected to lead the side on the tour of England which begins in May. England coach Duncan Fletcher will also stand down after Saturday's match following his team's disappointing campaign in the Caribbean.

ITN Source | April 21, 2007

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