Atherton says Sachin’s batting prowess is on the wane while Holding thinks Windies cricket’s renaissance will be possible only after Lara steps down.
Time for Lara to go: Holding
GEORGETOWN/GUYANA: Former Test fast bowler Michael Holding called on Sunday for Brian Lara to step down as West Indies captain as the host's World Cup campaign continued to unravel.
Holding believes that the West Indies, who are in danger of failing to reach the semi-finals after losing both of their opening Super Eights matches, will only enjoy a renaissance in their fortunes if the record-breaking Lara quits.
"Lara has to step aside, not necessarily as a player, but as captain," said Holding.
"He needs to co-operate with the new captain and allow him to have a free hand to take the West Indies forward."
Lara is in his third spell as captain but his leadership came under fire when strike bowler Jerome Taylor was dropped from the team for the tame defeat against New Zealand and replaced by an extra batsman, Lendl Simmons.
After the match in Antigua, Lara became involved in an ugly public slanging match with selector Andy Roberts over the make-up of the team with Lara insisting he can only work with the 15-man squad he was given.
"Where was he when the selection meeting took place?" asked a bemused Holding.
"If he can explain that, then he can talk."
Holding, who was part of the World Cup squad in 1979 when the West Indies last won the title, added that the team has not improved under Lara's stewardship.
"Lara appears bigger than the game. He has got whatever he has wanted," said Holding.
"We haven't seen an improvement when he has taken over the captaincy. Everyone knows he's a great batsman but that's not what it takes to lead a team. I can't even say he is a good captain tactically."
Tendulkar's prowess on the wane: Atherton
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