PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Reuters)
Former West Indies captain Brian Lara said he would retire from international cricket if he felt he was letting down the team, but intends to play on for another five years.

"I do not want to become a liability to the West Indies cricket team and if I feel that is the case any time then I will make my exit," Lara told students in a question-and-answer session at a Trinidad school.

"But I would really like to play until at least the 2007 World Cup which will be played in the Caribbean."

Lara, who holds the records for the highest scores in both Test and first-class cricket, missed the team's current series against Pakistan in Sharjah after fracturing his elbow during the recent tour of Sri Lanka.

West Indies lost the first Test by 170 runs, and on Sunday they were struggling to avoid defeat on the fourth day of the second Test.

"The West Indies had a period when they won everything but this young team is very inexperienced and other teams like Pakistan and Australia have very seasoned players," said Lara. "Playing in their part of the world, Pakistan has all of the advantages as they are very familiar with the playing conditions."

"I would expect that with normal progression, in a few years, when the West Indian players would have gained some experience, then we will start seeing much better performances from them.

"Just give us a little time to settle properly and I urge you all to be a bit more patient as I am sure that this team will come good in the end."

Lara broke his elbow during a one-day match against Sri Lanka at Kandy in December, when he collided with fielder Marvan Atapattu.

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