Courtney Walsh last night pledged his full support to new West Indies captain Brian Lara after deciding to continue his Test career. Following a week of speculation after losing the captaincy to Lara, Walsh declared that he would play under his successor against England in the series starting in his native Jamaica on January 29th.

Walsh, sensing that the Trinidadian might get an unfriendly reception, promised Lara his backing in his home town. Walsh, 35, said he did not make up his mind to continuing bowling fast for the West Indies until Tuesday night.

Ten wickets in Jamaica's match against Barbados was enough to convince Walsh that he still had an appetite for the game at top level. That was paramount in his decision.

"It's the end to the controversy and I want to bury things for once and for all," said Walsh. "I've given thought to exactly what I want to do for my future. I've learned a lot and benefited from it. I've always tried to be a good ambassador for my country and the Caribbean. I was disappointed to lose the captaincy, but I've decided to make myself available for the series."