Lara says he is fit to face India

Port of Spain, April 5: Brian Lara, sidelined with an elbow injury since last December, has declared himself fit for the upcoming series between the West Indies and India.

Following a knock of 71 for his Queen's Park Club against an English touring team, Sydenhurst Ramblers, on Thursday at the Queen's Park Oval, the 32-year-old Trinidad-born West Indies batting star told reporters: "I am fit to play in a test match".

"The selectors will be picking the team in a couple of days and they will be looking to hear from me. At this moment. I can give a positive answer.

"The most important thing is that I'm in the process of getting back to 100-percent fitness. It is going to be difficult but I'm looking forward to playing," he added.

"Every time I wake up and go into the nets or for therapy, there is some improvement. So, in the next seven or eight days, I could see more improvement."

Lara has been treated by orthopaedic surgeon Derrick Lousaing and physiotherapist Lisa Niles since picking up the injury in Sri Lanka during a collision with Marvan Attapatu.

Whether he would be fit for the series against India had led to growing concerns among regional fans.

He missed the tests and one-day internationals against Pakistan played in Sharjah, and this year's Busta Cup and Busta Shield tournaments.

Lara, world record holder for the highest test and first class scores of 375 and 501 respectively, was recently quoted as saying he wants five more years in the game.

In preparation for the series against India, 22 West Indies players attended a one-week camp in Trinidad last month.

Among those assisting were former West Indies captain Sir Gary Sobers and ex-fast bowler Andy Roberts

The Indians led by Sourav Ganguly have arrived in the Caribbbean for a five test and five-one-day internationals series against Carl Hooper's West Indies.