Lara turns 50 in style

Cricket legend Brian Lara, known for his breath-taking centuries on the field, is halfway to that landmark in the game of life.

The Prince of Port of Spain turns 50 on Thursday and, in true sporting style, is enjoying the occasion with football, cricket, golf and boxing.

Lara invited the media to his palatial home in St Ann's today to discuss his birthday plans and have a candid discussion on virtually any topic.

A fully relaxed and contented Lara said he is at peace with where he is in life. He said, although people tell him he doesn't look his age, he certainly feels it.

Lara, a former U-14 national footballer, still enjoys "the beautiful game" and kicked off his birthday sporting festivities last night with a small goal "sweat" at his home. Taking part were members of the Strike Squad, Arnold Dwarika and some of his other friends.

Tomorrow, he will be leading a Santa Cruz XI against a Diego Martin XI in a T20 clash at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex at 7pm. The public is invited to come out and see the maestro try to score a half-century, or even more.

Lara said he was hoping it would have been a T10 match as it would be easier on his body.

"I don't know if I can last a T20, but I hope that you guys can come out and support that as well. It's two wonderful teams and a wonderful evening," he said.

And on his birth-night, there will be another edition of the popular Boxing at the Castle, featuring TT amateur fighters against their Guyanese counterparts.

Not to forget his two close friends, Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy, Lara said he will be flying to England on Friday to meet Yorke and some other friends from around the world to continue the celebrations.

He said Latapy, the current football head coach of Barbados, has other commitments but did fly in to spend a short time with him yesterday.