My best is still six months away: Lara

Port of Spain, June 12: West Indies batsman Brian Lara says he needs another six more months to return to his best form following an elbow injury.

"I still don't get full extension (with the left arm)," he said. "I still need six more months to heal properly."

The left-hander, who made 59 not out as the West Indies beat New Zealand in a one-day international in St Lucia on Sunday, fractured his elbow when colliding with a Sri Lanka fielder in December.

Lara added: "At the moment, I would say I'm at 80 per cent and improving."

After a mediocre test series against India, Lara was encouraged by his improving form.

"My contribution has been missing for a while so it was nice to get some runs, get some confidence and hopefully it will carry through for the rest of the one-dayers and into the test series to come," he said.

West Indies, leading the five-match series 2-0, face New Zealand later on Wednesday in their fourth encounter.