The world record batsman Brian Lara has been appointed to lead the West Indies for the forthcoming series against England.

He replaces the fast bowler Courtney Walsh.

Brian Lara holds the world's highest Test score of 375

Announcing the decision in Antigua, the president of the West Indies Cricket Board, Pat Resseu, said Lara's appointment had been a unanimous decision by the board.

Last year they had rejected a recommendation by the selectors to make Lara captain for a tour of Pakistan.

But on Wednesday Resseu said cricket in the Caribbean was now in a rebuilding stage and it was decided a new captain was required.

Lara told a press conference he was very pleased but he recognised he had a difficult job ahead.

"I am looking forward to great things for myself and the players. West Indies cricket can be successful in the future and will be.

"I don't want success in the future -- I want success now, starting with England," he said.

Walsh has captained the side since 1996

He admitted West Indies' recent form had been poor.

"We haven't been playing very well as a team of late. One of the first things I will be looking to do as captain will be to sit down with the coach, the manager, the selectors and look at ways of improving our all round cricket."

Lara's appointment had been widely expected, especially since the West Indies' disastrous performance in Pakistan when they were beaten 3-0 in the test series.

Asked if Walsh was contacted, Resseu said: "I have met with Walsh and he is very disappointed. But I think he recognised that it is now time for a period of change."

Lara was optimistic. "Courtney will play as far as I am concerned," he said. "He will, of course, be disappointed but I am looking forward to having him in the team on January 29 when we walk out at Sabina Park [for the first test].

Lara factfile

• 1969: Born May 2 in Santa Cruz, Trinidad. Youngest of seven brothers in a family of 11.
• 1976: Taken to coaching clinic by his sister Agnes.
• 1984: Plays under-19 representative cricket at the age of 15.
• 1987: Makes first-class debut. Captains West Indies Under-23 team against Pakistan.
• 1989: Skippers West Indies A team in Zimbabwe. Becomes youngest captain of Trinidad and Tobago.
• 1990: Makes Test debut against Pakistan in Lahore.
• 1993: Scores first Test century against Australia in Sydney. Goes on to score 273.
• 1994: Makes highest score in Test history of 375 against England in Antigua on April 18. Agrees to join Warwickshire. Becomes first player to score seven centuries in eight first-class innings on June 3. Innings of 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham breaks host of records.
• 1995: Announces his retirement at a stormy team meeting during West Indies' tour of England.
• 1996: Receives written reprimand from the WICB after several verbal outbursts. Named International Cricketer of the Year.
• 1997: Leads West Indies to victory in his only Test as captain against India in Barbados in March when Courtney Walsh is absent through injury.
• 1998: Replaces Walsh as West Indies captain after they lose Test series 3-0 in Pakistan.

• Test record:

  Matches: 48.
  Runs: 4,133.
  Average: 51.66.
  Centuries: 10.
  Highest score: 375 v England (St John's, Antigua) 1994.
  Catches: 62.

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