Lara focuses on Windies’ mental game

Former West Indies cricketer, Brian Lara.
Former West Indies cricketer, Brian Lara.
Associated Press / Aijaz Rahi / File

Batting legend Brian Lara has identified the mental aspect as a critical area of focus for the West Indies.

The former West Indies captain believes he can play a significant role in strengthening the regional side in this regard for the two Tests against India this month.

Lara has been lending his vast experience to the entire cadre of young batsmen.

He said while the technical skills and work ethic were present in the squad, a key area to address was the mental approach.

“The young players are working hard, Floyd Reifer and his team are actually putting things together pretty good,” the 50-year-old Lara said.

“The practical side is there for the young players but I feel mentally they can grow a little bit and learn a little bit more,” he added.

However, they will be hoping to build on their success in their only Test series this year when they stunned world number one England 2-1 in a three-Test series in the Caribbean.

Lara, who plundered 11, 953 runs from 131 Tests during an illustrious career, said that series win was an excellent foundation on which a turnaround could begin.