Gus Logie yesterday lauded the achievements of fellow Trinidadian Brian Lara who bowed out of international cricket last week.

During his stint as West Indies’ coach Logie worked alongside team skipper Lara and together they helped the Caribbean achieve ICC Champions Trophy glory in 2004 following a short visit to Bermuda.

“I think being in such an atmosphere was sort of a catalyst for us going on to play well as a team. We had a gap after the Test series with England and they (West Indies Cricket Board) were wondering what to do with the guys during that period and we got together in Bermuda,” the ‘Prince’ of Port of Spain told The Royal Gazette on the eve of being re-appointed captain of the West Indies last year.

To this day Lara rates winning the coveted Champions Trophy title among his most cherished moments in the sport that also include breaking and then reclaiming the record for the highest individual score in Test history.

A capacity crowd witnessed the legendary batsman’s final international match at the refurbished Kensington Oval in Barbados last Saturday — a match the West Indies lost to England despite posting what initially appeared to be an enormous total. And for many, including Logie, last weekend’s loss threw cold water on Lara’s emotional farewell to international cricket.

“I think it’s a bit unfortunate and regrettable that someone who has achieved so much and given so much to the game of cricket to leave in a way that was maybe not as dignified as it should be,” Logie said.

“It certainly took everybody by surprise and he certainly deserved better than that. But having said that Brian doesn’t need me or anybody else to extol his qualities as a cricketer.

“He will be remembered as one of the greatest cricketers to play the game.”

Lara played in 131 Test matches and scored a record 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88 as well as the highest score of 400 not out. He also clobbered 34 centuries and 48 half centuries.

The former West Indies skipper appeared in 299 ODIs and amassed 10, 405 runs at an average of 40.48 with 19 centuries and 63 half centuries.