Bravo lives with Lara hype

Darren Bravo will be delighted to be regarded as a Brian Lara clone if it helps West Indies defeat the Netherlands in the World Cup on Monday.

Bravo, 22, showed sparks of brilliance in making 73 off 82 balls, studded with eight fours and a one-handed six, during his team's seven-wicket defeat to South Africa at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Thursday.

His knock, to some extent, justified the pre-tournament hype which concentrated on his likeness to record-breaking batsman Lara who happens to be his cousin.

The stance, batting style, gait, personality -- the uncanny similarity between the two Trinidadians has fuelled expectations of Bravo leading a West Indies revival.

Bravo himself is quite modest despite the comparison.

"It's a great feeling when you hear that," says the left-hander. "It's a privilege. Brian has always been my role model and I would also like to make a name for myself and perform for my country."

Bravo was thrust into the spotlight as soon as made his one-day debut for the West Indies during the 2009 home series against India as a wide-eyed 20-year-old trying to find his feet in international cricket.

Fans and critics were quick to make their judgements on the batsman which ensured Bravo always walked out in the middle trying to prove a point or two.

That could probably explain why a century still eludes Bravo after 14 one-day internationals which have seen him score 418 runs at an average of 41.80 with 79 being his highest.

What also makes Bravo's job more challenging is the mediocrity of his team -- an aspect that was evident in Thursday's game.

After Bravo's dismissal, with the team total reading 113-2, the remaining West Indies batsmen capitulated.

Captain Darren Sammy admitted that the team threw away the start provided by Bravo before adding that he had high hopes for the youngster.

"We had guys getting starts but none of us carried on. That's where we lost out," he said. "Darren is a very confident young player. Most people compare him to Brian. He really looks like Brian.

"He is a good asset for us. From the time he made his debut he has batted well for us and I hope he continues like this."

Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd says it is unfair to burden Bravo with comparisons to Lara.

"This boy is very much like Lara. He's got so much time to play his shots, his feet movement, the strokes, that famous backlift. This Bravo kid looks good. I am impressed.

"But please don't compare him to Lara. Comparisons between players are unfair."