Audacious deal for Lara sealed

Brian Lara has signed for a Kent pub cricket team and will make his debut next month.

Standard Sport first revealed how the West Indies star was offered a 'name-your-price' contract by multi-millionaire businessman Simon Noble, who bankrolls the Lashings pub team.

Now David Folb, landlord of the Maidstone pub, has revealed that Lara has signed for the side.

In the past, the team have attracted other great names, such as West Indies skipper Richie Richardson and wicketkeeper Junior Murray.

And Lara - who has not yet signed for a county championship side this season - is set to follow them into cricketing life in the slow lane.

Folb said: "We've come a long way and we play in some pretty good grounds now. Yes, he will be playing against people far less than him, but he will be keeping his eye in and having fun.

"I think most people are honoured to be on the same field as these guys.

"I don't think people turn up and look at it as, 'Oh my God, we're going to get thrashed.' I think they turn up and do their best.

"Some teams produce performances against us that are absolutely outrageous."

Even with big names in their side, Lashings are not invincible.

Folb said: "We got beaten last year by Walmer in Kent, which was quite a surprise, and they outplayed us.

"They were just the better side on the day and it's as simple as that." Folb refused to disclose the exact details of the offer, made by the Caribbean-based internet gambling firm Intertops, but brokered by Lashings.

The pub already has a sponsorship deal with 'Rude Boy' cricket bats and will be involving Lara.

While playing for Warwickshire in 1994, the West Indies ace scored an unbeaten 501 against Durham to set a first-class record for an innings.

Folb added: "Everyone is very excited that things have moved in the direction they have.

"This deal is unique in cricketing, and possibly sporting terms."

Lara will make his debut for Lashings against the University of Kent on 18 May.