West Indies keen to preserve Richards' runs record

KARACHI, Nov 26 (Reuters) West Indies will play positively against Pakistan in the third and final test to stop Mohammad Yousuf from breaking Vivian Richards' 30-year-old record for the highest number of runs scored in a calendar year.

Yousuf, who made 193, 56 and 191 in the first two tests, is 149 runs short of breaking Richards' record of 1710 runs in 11 matches in 1976.

He has already equalled the record of Richards and Sri Lankan Aravinda de Silva in making seven hundreds this year.

''We know Yousuf is challenging this record and he's been batting very well,'' West Indies skipper Brian Lara said today.

''But we will doing our homework and would like Viv Richards to continue holding the most runs in a calendar year and we will be coming really hard at them,'' he said.

''We are very optimistic about our chances in this test. We need a very good plan for every single batsmen to nullify the impact they have, particularly Yousuf,'' said Lara.

Yousuf, who has scored 1562 runs this year, said he would be happy to break the record, but he was more interested in contributing towards a team win.

''I believe in what God has destined for you will happen if it has to happen,'' he said.

Pakistan lead the series 1-0 going into the final test which is at a venue where the home side has lost only one test in 38 matches and won 20 games.

MAGNIFICENT LARA The visitors came close to a series-levelling win on the final day after taking a first-innings lead of 234 runs due to a magnificent 216 from Lara.

West Indies have not beaten a major test playing nation away from home in the last six years, their last significant win coming against England at Edgbaston in 2000.

Lara said he was aware of the situation and would like to end the Pakistan tour on a memorable note.

''It will be my last test match in Pakistan and on a personal note I would like to do something really special,'' he said.

''We are aware of the situation it's just a matter letting it unfold over the next five days and see if we can put not just five days but 10 days of good cricket together,'' he said.

Lara said West Indies would have to repeat its performances from the second test in Multan to even think about winning against teams like Australia, South Africa or Pakistan.

''We played a hard-fought draw in Multan and I think we are heading in the right direction to taking West Indies cricket where it belongs.'' Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq said his team was wary of the Windies pace attack on a track which traditionally helps the quicks.

''They have a good pace attack which is more disciplined with its length and line than in recent years and on this pitch it is something we need to look at carefully,'' he said.

REUTERS PM BST1402