Lara: I'm here to play for Trinidad and Tobago. - File

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

RETIRED WEST Indies batting star Brian Lara has deflected questions about a possible return to international cricket.

After his splendid showing in Trinidad and Tobago's victory over Guyana in their Carib Beer Series first-round match at Queen's Park Oval on Monday, the 38-year-old Lara responded unenthusiastically to reporters' queries about whether he would consider playing for the West Indies again.

"I've had my time. And when I called it a day, I knew that this was the time and I don't want to have any regrets at all," said Lara, who retired from international cricket in April after the West Indies' failure in the Cricket World Cup (CWC).

"I don't think you should think about that (me coming back) right now. I think it's important that I'm here to play for Trinidad and Tobago. The result today is what it's all about," added Lara, who smashed 123 and an unbeaten half century to claim the Man of the Match award as T&T whipped Guyana by nine wickets.

Happy watching the guys

The popular double world- record holder said he does not miss Test cricket, but was "happy getting up at 3:30 in the morning watching the guys," referring to the battle the West Indies team is currently having in their three-Test series against South Africa.

He praised the West Indies players for their performance in the current series with South Africa they lost the second Test in Cape Town.

The Caribbean side stunned South Africa in a 128-run victory in the first Test in Port Elizabeth for their first ever Test win on the continent and Lara believes they have done well.

"The last two Test matches they've played, they played very good cricket, fighting cricket. You have to put aside the loss.

WI knitting as a unit

"We're going into the last Test with the possibility of winning the series. And credit must be given to the guys over there, they've performed well, they're knitting as a unit which is good," added Lara, who turns 39 years old in May.

Lara entertained the local fans at Queen's Park Oval with trademark shots all over the park in a fine batting show that set up T&T's win over visiting Guyana.

After his hundred in the first innings, the left-handed master stroked an unbeaten 53 from a mere 27 balls on Monday afternoon as T&T sped to victory at 185 for one after being set 183 for victory in a minimum of 47 overs.