Lara recalled for World Cup assignment

Cricket

Brian Lara has been included in West Indies' 14-strong squad for next month's World Cup. The former Warwickshire player was at the centre of controversy following his withdrawal from the World Series in Australia, but he was always a likely choice after he declared his intention to return to international cricket.

The announcement by the West Indies Board of Control suggested that the matter may not have been cut and dried, however. "Brian Lara was written to by the chairman of the selection committee regarding his involvement in several recent incidents and requesting reassurance of his future commitment to the team, and his loyalty to his fellow players," a statement said.

"The player restated his commitment to West Indies cricket and his respect and admiration of the West Indian community. He added that if selected, he would endeavour to perform to the best of his ability."

The selectors also recalled the middle-order batsman Keith Arthurton.

WEST INDIES WORLD CUP SQUAD: R B Richardson (capt), J C Adams, C E L Ambrose, K L T Arthurton, I R Bishop, C O Browne, S L Campbell, S Chanderpaul, O D Gibson, R A Harper, R I C Holder, C L Hooper, B Lara, C A Walsh.