Brian Lara..................A Real Legend

I must say that my eyes shed tears on hearing of Brian Lara's total retirement from cricket. That was thesaddest new I heard. I am a true "Trini to de Bone" and Lara was the pride of Trinidad and the Caribbean in general, he will be definitely remembered by not just many or some, but by everyone in the Caribbean and worldwide who is asked or heard the word CRICKET. The only cricket player to make the highest test score and then break it also. That was not an easy job for him and what should be taken into consideration is that he did it against two of the top leading teams that is showing all the talent, aptitude and skill for this wonderful game.......Australia and England. The next time someone will ever make that is against a computer or Playstation...........That I can say UNTIL someone has proven to be a "peerless" batsman as he was.

I remember that whenever Lara came to the crease, every ball bowled at him, a prayer was said before its delivery saying: "please take him out with this one please!" and when he gets out, there was always a big a celebration for his dismissal. This just shows what kind of fear he used to put in the hearts of his opponents on the field. Although the West Indies team have become a very unpredictable team now, Lara was still feared by some of the greatest and most skilful and dangerous teams. As it was once said by a great cricketer: "form will come and go, but class will ALWAYS be there" Something that Lara has portrayed throughout his magnificent career.

When Lara was was first selected to play for the W.I. as a player who NEVER got much breaks and was NEVER selected in the first eleven, but he was always "cool as a cucumber about it" and now he reached a stage where he proved to each and every W.I. selector that he had that brilliant talent and fervor for the game. It is however, a sad thing to hear about his departure, but he will be remembered as one of those who retired with honour and glory for the love of the game.

“I hold West Indies cricket close to my heart. I’ve spent 17 years playing. It’s been testimony that I’ve been out there working very hard, toiling for West Indies cricket. I’ve enjoyed every single day I’ve played. It’s been a very good run but at some point it has to come to an end.” when asked what his feelings would be as he donned the maroon colours for the last time.

As one writer says about Lara: "The weaver of a thousand dreams, the wielder of the magic wand, the maker of giant innings, the breaker of records, the utterly compelling and the utterly gorgeous"

Like I said, my eyes filled with tears when I read this part but all the best Brian Lara, for you have struggled with the W.I. through thick and thin and YOU will be remembered as are THE WORLD'S GREATEST!