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West Indies batting legend Brian Lara admits it is his responsibility to help stabilise cricket in the Caribbean ahead of the winter tour of Australia.
The Windies have been embroiled in controversy in recent years following poor on-field results and off-field disputes, including a recent players' strike that has only just been resolved.
And with a testing tour Down Under approaching, Lara has spoken of his willingness to help in any way he can.
"Not much other than encouraging the guys," Lara said when asked on radio 2UE what his involvement in West Indies cricket was.
"There is so much wrong with it at the moment that I'm very happy that I'm not in there causing some of the problems.
"There (will be) some involvement in the future, I am almost certain that is going to be the situation.
"I am not pushing myself on anyone and I've not been asked but I believe it's a fait accompli that the likes of Sir Vivian Richards or Gordon Greenidge (or myself)... we all have to play a significant part in West Indies cricket in the near future."
Impressive
Lara fears the players' strike coupled with Australia's hunger to avenge their Ashes loss leaves West Indies in danger of heavy defeat during the upcoming three-Test series.
The tour also comprises of five one-day internationals and Lara is hoping some of the players involved in Trinidad & Tobago's impressive Champions League Twenty20 campaign can transfer their form to the national arena.
"There is less talent (needed) and more luck so, yes, we can do pretty well in it," he said of Twenty20 cricket.
"But what it's done is create an opportunity for first-class cricket to excel along the same levels as international cricket.
"Victoria and NSW and Trinidad & Tobago are all being represented at that level (in the Champions League).
"That's what I love about it; that first-class cricket is coming on the same level as international cricket.
"That can only be a positive thing
The Windies have been embroiled in controversy in recent years following poor on-field results and off-field disputes, including a recent players' strike that has only just been resolved.
And with a testing tour Down Under approaching, Lara has spoken of his willingness to help in any way he can.
"Not much other than encouraging the guys," Lara said when asked on radio 2UE what his involvement in West Indies cricket was.
"There is so much wrong with it at the moment that I'm very happy that I'm not in there causing some of the problems.
"There (will be) some involvement in the future, I am almost certain that is going to be the situation.
"I am not pushing myself on anyone and I've not been asked but I believe it's a fait accompli that the likes of Sir Vivian Richards or Gordon Greenidge (or myself)... we all have to play a significant part in West Indies cricket in the near future."
Impressive
Lara fears the players' strike coupled with Australia's hunger to avenge their Ashes loss leaves West Indies in danger of heavy defeat during the upcoming three-Test series.
The tour also comprises of five one-day internationals and Lara is hoping some of the players involved in Trinidad & Tobago's impressive Champions League Twenty20 campaign can transfer their form to the national arena.
"There is less talent (needed) and more luck so, yes, we can do pretty well in it," he said of Twenty20 cricket.
"But what it's done is create an opportunity for first-class cricket to excel along the same levels as international cricket.
"Victoria and NSW and Trinidad & Tobago are all being represented at that level (in the Champions League).
"That's what I love about it; that first-class cricket is coming on the same level as international cricket.
"That can only be a positive thing