Will it be third time lucky?

THE fact that the West Indies cricket selectors have opted for Brian Lara as captain for the third time goes to show the lack of captaincy material available in the Caribbean.

What the great man is capable of producing as captain is known to all. Knowledgeable critics have dissected his tenure at the top and come to the conclusion that Lara hardly inspires his team because he is more concerned about his own individual performances.

Lara's record as Test captain is that he led West Indies 40 times, winning 10 and losing 23. He was first captain between 1996-97 and 1999-2000, resigning after a dismal series in New Zealand.

He was appointed for a second time in 2002-03, eventually being replaced by Shiv Chanderpaul in March 2005 when he stood down because of an ongoing contractual dispute with the board.

The statement made by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chairman Ken Gordon soon after the appointment says it all: "It is logical to go back to Lara. Of all the players available, they each had varying strengths but there were also varying weaknesses.

He brings a lot to the table at this time which will make a material difference. Whatever the risks, the best is to go with Lara, whose experience and knowledge is unquestioned."

Others in the running for the top post were vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle and Darren Ganga.

Lara's return to the top was predicted after Chanderpaul resigned one year into the post. His third stint as captain is seen as a critical aspect of preparing the young West Indies team for the World Cup tournament in the Caribbean, which is now less than a year away.

Lara's experience and maturity will be vital elements for a team in need of nurturing, especially after the uninterrupted string of defeats they have just suffered.

For a team that has been torn apart by internal divisions particularly over the contract disputes, which has thankfully ended, the importance of a leader who has the respect of all was particularly crucial.

The first time Lara took over the captaincy he was unsuccessful because there were so many other senior players in the team whom he could not have overall control of. In his second tenure Lara said that he had a young side under him and was quite happy to lead them.

The pinnacle of his captaincy was winning the 2004 ICC Champions trophy beating favourites and hosts England in the final by two wickets. But when things seemed to be settling down the player contract dispute took place and Lara lost the captaincy to Chanderpaul.

While admitting that it was a great honour to lead his country once again, Lara is quoted in press reports saying: "The fact that a lot of former players called me was humbling. This was followed up by phone calls from present team-mates who thought I should assume the mantle of leadership at this juncture. I called past and present players for an objective view on the matter. They unequivocally thought the same as the others who were trying to influence me."

Today Lara stands supreme among the batsmen in world cricket. He is the only cricketer in the history of the game (not even the great Don Bradman held this record) to hold the unique record for the highest Test (400 not out) and first-class score (501 not out) and the most runs in Tests (11,294) simultaneously.

Bradman held the record for the highest first-class score and for the highest Test score at one time, but surprisingly not for the Test aggregate. Garry Sobers held the Test aggregate record as well as the highest Test score, but not the first-class record.

Lara represents perhaps the last bastion of great cricketers produced by the West Indies in the history of the game.

He has been given the chance by the WICB to go out of the game in a blaze of glory if he could lead West Indies to win the World Cup for a record third time, a feat which has been achieved only by Australia. What better place to accomplish it than in the Caribbean.