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BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - West Indies captain and batting great Brian Lara announced his retirement from international cricket on today, hours after England coach Duncan Fletcher quit his job.
Both men depart after glittering careers hit all-time lows during the World Cup which is being contested in the Caribbean for the first time.
The pair make their exits in the final World Cup second-round match between West Indies and England on Sunday (NZT) in Bridgetown after both sides failed to challenge for the semifinals following a complete loss of form and confidence.
Lara, 37, holds the record for the top test score (400 not out) and highest in the first-class game (501 not out). He amassed 11,953 runs in 131 tests and 10,387 runs in 298 one-day internationals.
"I've given this extensive consideration and on Saturday I will be bidding farewell to international cricket as a player," an emotional Lara told a news conference after his side beat Bangladesh by 99 runs at the Kensington Oval.
"I've already spoken to the board and to my players," he added.
The Trinidadian had previously announced he was quitting one-day internationals at the end of the World Cup but had been expected to lead the side in a test series against England starting next month.
Lara's relaxed, superb technique, flourishing drives and broad smile meant he was always destined to stand out.
He will be remembered as one of the most natural timers of a ball but his legacy will also be tarnished somewhat by his failings as a captain in a rapidly declining West Indies team that could not challenge as World Cup hosts.
Ramnaresh Sarwan is set to replace him as skipper and Lara said he hoped his successor would receive better backing.
"Whoever takes over the team, I think it is important that they get the support. What you see on the surface isn't everything," Lara said.
"You have got to get the support from the very beginning and a wholehearted support from the board, from the selectors, from the team, from everyone, for the captain to feel comfortable in the position."
England coach Fletcher had the backing of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for nearly eight years but a dismal World Cup which followed a 5-0 Ashes mauling by Australia meant his position had become untenable.
The ECB said he had decided to quit on April 10, before England were bundled out of the tournament after a humiliating nine-wicket defeat by South Africa on Tuesday.
His decision was announced at a news conference, also in Barbados, and although he was not present he issued a statement.
"I always said that I would review my position as England coach nearer to the end of this winter," he said.
"I feel it is in the team's best interests over the long term that I should move on and seek a new challenge elsewhere.
"This has been a difficult winter for the team and for me personally but I believe that my record as coach over the past eight years is one in which I can take great pride."
Fletcher's finest moment came in 2005 when England beat old enemy Australia 2-1 at home to win the urn for the first time since 1987.
The famous victory followed test series wins in West Indies and South Africa and a run of seven home test victories in a row in 2004 against New Zealand and West Indies.
He was widely expected to be replaced on a temporary basis by England academy director Peter Moores. A decision could come in the next 48 hours.
The seven-week World Cup culminates in the April 28 final in Bridgetown.
- REUTERS
