West Indies legend cheers on Australia's World Cup side from hospital bed after being admitted for chest pains following gym session
I'm gonna be alright: Lara plays down health scare
Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has been hospitalised in Mumbai with chest pains, but assured fans it was a minor issue and he would "be back in full health very soon".
Lara, who holds the records for the highest individual innings in Tests and first-class cricket, is in India conducting media duties for the World Cup.
He developed chest pains after a gym session, and after seeing a doctor was taken to a local hospital for a range of tests.
After reports emerged of the West Indies legend's ill health, Lara took to social media posting an audio clip to reassure fans, and finding time to cheer on Australia in their World Cup clash with England at Lord's.
"I know everyone is concerned about what's happening. I think maybe I just extended myself a bit too much in the gym this morning," Lara said in the message.
"I was feeling a bit of pain in my chest so I felt it was best to see a doctor and I was taken to the hospital. Pain continued so obviously a lot of tests have been done.
"I'm just chilling in my hospital bed watching England v Australia. Hopefully Australia can restrict England and beat them – not a big fan of England.
"I'm gonna be alright. Just ease off the messages, my phone is going non-stop, I'm going to switch it off.
"I wouldn't like to switch it off, really, because I'd like to speak to my family, so just letting everyone know I am fine and recovering and I'll be back in my hotel room tomorrow.
"A couple of the tests came back already and the doctors were quite happy there is nothing major.
"Thanks for your concern. I'm accustomed to breach of privacy but that's how it is, that's how my life is. I'll be back in full health very soon."
After reports the 50-year-old had been admitted to Global Hospital in Parel with a minor heart scare, the official West Indies twitter account confirmed the news.
Our prayers and well wishes go out to former West Indies batsman and captain @BrianLara who has been hospitalized in Mumbai due to chest pains. On behalf of all of us at Cricket West Indies, we wish you a speedy recovery 🙏🏽. pic.twitter.com/5IQiUsvlVF— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 25, 2019
Lara amassed 11,953 runs in 131 Tests, which was a world record until he was overtaken by India batsman Sachin Tendulkar in October 2008.
He racked up a further 10,405 runs in 299 one-day internationals.
2019 World Cup
Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
June 1: Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets
June 6: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs
June 9: Australia lost to India by 36 runs
June 12: Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs
June 15: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs
June 20: Australia beat Bangladesh by 48 runs
June 25: Australia beat England by 64 runs
June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)
July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)
July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford
July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston
July 14: Final, Lord's
Sync Australia's World Cup schedule to your calendar HERE
For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE