If I entertained you, I'm happy: Lara

Sounding emotional after facing defeat by England, outgoing West Indies captain Brian Lara said that he was happy if he entertained the cricket lovers.

"I've had a tremendous time playing for the West Indies. All I ask is, did I entertain? If I entertained you, I'm happy. Things didn't quite work out today as planned, but maybe it was a fitting way to end my career - runs galore," an emotional Lara told the crowd after the match against England Saturday.

Lara refused to blame Marlon Samuels for the call that led to his getting run out for just 18 in his final innings.

"I was calm and I wanted to put an innings together. I wasn't going to play any rash shots, I was going to play each ball on its merit, but things didn't work out and I got run out. These things happen," Lara was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"I'm really proud of the West Indies team and the fight we showed. Unfortunately we didn't get home today, but we exhibited great spirit throughout."

Lara said that his 277 against Australia at Sydney in 1993, his world record Test innings of 375 and 400 and winning the 2004 Champions Trophy were his proudest moments.

But he admitted that the lack of success for the West Indies during much of his career remained a major disappointment.

"When I was first playing cricket the West Indies were at the top in world cricket, and I always wanted us to stay at the top.

"But there was a decline, and we haven't managed to stop that over the last 10 or 12 years, and that's the most disappointing thing. I'm a team player and I want to see this West Indies team get back to the top," he said.

Lara added: "I came to the realisation some time ago that this was going to be my last game...I felt comfortable and as the day went on I knew I'd made the right decision.

"I knew it was the right time to call it a day and let the younger players take the West Indies forward - maybe we can see some change in the future.

"I want to thank everyone for all their support over the years - I've enjoyed every single minute of it."

The match also marked the end of West Indies team manager Clive Lloyd's posting as an International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee.

Lloyd, who captained the team to victory in the 1975 and 1979 World Cup finals, acted as referee in 53 Tests and 133 one-day internationals.

"Clive brought his own integrity and sense of fair play to his role as referee. He had the rare ability to forge good relations with the players and always managed to retain their respect," said ICC president Percy Sonn.

(IANS)

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