Lara's decision not to bat surprises Pakistan's Kamal

LAHORE, Nov 9 (Reuters) Brian Lara's decision not to bat today in West Indies' tour game against a PCB Patrons XI surprised home captain Asim Kamal.

''I was definitely surprised because we had an understanding with them we would declare our innings this morning and they could get some batting practice,'' Pakistani batsman Kamal told reporters.

West Indies made 279 for five in reply to the local side's 305 for four declared in the two-day game. Captain Lara chose not to bat despite getting several opportunities.

''He is my favourite player and I was looking forward to seeing him bat in the middle,'' said Kamal, who has scored eight test half centuries.

''I wanted to learn something watching him bat. I thought he would not miss the chance to get a knock in the middle today.'' West Indian centurion Dwayne Bravo said Lara had wanted to give the younger players some batting practice and a taste of the Pakistani conditions.

Only Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul have played before in Pakistan.

''He is such a great player I don't think it will make much of a difference to his form in the test that he didn't bat today,'' Bravo said.

Lara, 37, holds the world record for highest scores in test and first-class cricket. He has been suffering from a back strain.

Bravo scored a flawless 108 runs and said it was a boost for his confidence ahead of the first test, which starts on Saturday.

''I want to become a balanced all rounder and have been working hard on my batting. Hopefully I can establish myself in test cricket in this series,'' he added.

West Indies media officer Imran Khan said opener Chris Gayle, who did not play the tour match, was recovering from a stomach bug and was expected to be fit for the test.

REUTERS SAM HT1800