Cricket: Lara ready for a return to action

Brian Lara intends to make his return to cricket tomorrow for Trinidad and Tobago in a Red Stripe Cup trial match.

Theo Cuffy, the Trinidad and Tobago cricket manager, told the Caribbean News Agency that Lara, who withdrew from the West Indies party for the current tour of Australia, has accepted the captaincy of the team for the first-class Cup competition, which starts next month.

"We are all looking forward to seeing him back making runs. It will be great to see him out there," Cuffy said. "He has had his rest and he wants to get back to playing cricket. He is looking relaxed and at ease, this holiday has done him a world of good."

He also suggested the record-breaking batsman would be playing for the West Indies in the World Cup. "I am sure he would like to captain Trinidad and Tobago to a Red Stripe victory, but he will most likely be available for only the first two games as the West Indies are due to travel to India for the World Cup."

Lara withdrew from the West Indies' tour of Australia after being fined 10 per cent of his fee for breaches of contract during this year's tour to England.