Walsh bats for Lara

Lara / Walsh

PORT-OF-SPAIN, CANA: WEST Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh is confident that the presence of batsman Brian Lara in the upcoming Test series against England will prove a big difference between the two teams.

In a report from the Trinidad Guardian newspaper, Walsh said the regional team have a knack for rebounding whenever they go through a bad patch and Lara could play a big part in this one.

"Brian Lara will be with us and that makes a huge difference. When I spoke to him in Trinidad I told him to relax and get ready for this tour, because it's no good him coming along if his mind is somewhere else...," he said.

Having recently eclipsed Kapil Dev's 434 record for Test wickets, Walsh said he is eyeing the 500-wicket mark and intends to end his career as having never played on a losing West Indies team against England. "I've never played a losing series against England, and I've been playing them for 15 years. I still look after myself, I'm still able to compete. I think 500 wickets is a possibility but I will need luck, consistency and a few more Test matches," Walsh said. "I plan to reassess my mind and my body at the end of this tour, But this could certainly be my last tour, particularly if the new string of youngsters come through and does well," added the pace veteran.

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