Lara on track for comeback against India: Hooper

Brian Lara should be fit for the first Test against India after three months sidelined with serious injury, West Indies captain Carl Hooper said on Thursday.

Hooper, speaking after a 22-man squad training camp in Trinidad, said: "The fact that he is in the 22 means that he is definitely being considered for the first Test.

"I'm fairly optimistic that come the 11th of April he will be in the field."

Lara dislocated and fractured his elbow in a one-dayer against Sri Lanka in December after running into fielder Marvan Atapattu. West Indies were whitewashed 3-0 in the Tests against Sri Lanka -- despite Lara averaging 114.66 -- before also losing a one-day tournament final against them.

India arrive in West Indies on April 2 for five Tests and five one-dayers.

The West Indies training camp was attended by several major names of the past, including Gary Sobers.

Coach Roger Harper said: "He was able to share his wide range of knowledge and experience with the players.

"He really re-emphasised the importance of the mental aspect of the game and the importance of being able to think your way through situations."

Mail Cricket Editor