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I was scared when I first faced Marshall, says Lara

West Indies captain Brian Lara has admitted that he was scared when he faced pace bowler Malcolm Marshall at the start of his first-class career.

Playing for Trinidad and Tobago against Barbados in 1988, Lara recalled: ''The first delivery I faced in the match was from Malcolm and of course his reputation with the ball preceded him.

''I was scared, my heart was pumping and I was caught down the legside first ball.''

Lara said yesterday that Marshall, who died of colon cancer last week, had been an inspiration to him. Marshall was coach of the West Indies side at the World Cup in England this year.

''When I embarked on my leadership role in West Indies cricket he made my role as easy as possible by doing his job (as coach) in a very professional manner.''

''Malcolm gave his life to cricket in the West Indies as well as in Hampshire and Natal where he was a player and a coach.''

The Barbados Cricket Association said there would be no play in any matches under its auspices on Saturday when Marshall's funeral is being held.

UNI