Never interested in what Lara says, never will be: Holding

Legendary fast bowler Michael Holding on Wednesday dismissed Brian Lara's criticism of his conduct during West Indies' 1980 tour of New Zealand, saying he has "never been interested" in the batting great's opinions.

"I am not interested in whatever Brian Lara says. Never was, never will be," that was Holding's blunt response when asked comment on what Lara said against the 63-year-old while delivering the Marylebone Cricket Club's Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey lecture at Lord's last Monday.

It is well-known that both the West Indies' greats, Lara and Holding, are not the best of friends.

During the MCC lecture, Lara spoke about how he was "embarrassed" by the unsportsmanlike conduct of the West Indies in the 1980s and 90s.

He specifically spoke about an incident that took place during the series against New Zealand in 1980, when Holding kicked the stumps in frustration.

"Michael Holding decided he was no longer a cricketer, he was a footballer and he kicked a stump. I am sure the occurrences during that period had a big effect on cricket," said Lara at Lord's.

While Lara took the opportunity to slam Holding, the "whispering death" has accused the legendary batsman of "getting away with murder" during his reign.

Holding also aired his views about the much-hyped comparison of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, especially after the latter completed 30 ODI hundreds in the just concluded series against Sri Lanka.

"There is a long long way to go (before he gets close to Tendulkar's record) but he is certainly a great batsman," said Holding.

Asked if Kohli is a better batsman compared to Tendulkar or vice-versa, the Jamaican added: "Well, I don't like comparisons."

Though Kohli himself has said he is not chasing Tendulkar's mind-boggling 100 international hundreds, the 28-year-old already has 47 centuries to his name.

India have an envious Test record under Kohli with the team winning its eighth series in a row, albeit most of them were won in the sub-continent.

Holding said time will only tell if the current Indian team can win outside the sub-continent. The team has tough tours of England and South Africa lined-up next year.

"I don't know. They have to do it to prove it. The proof of the cake is in the eating. So we will just have to wait and see what they do (outside the sub-continent). You can't predict these things," Holding said.

Image: Michael Holding

Photograph: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images for Laureus