After minor heart scare, Brian Lara ‘fine and recovering’ at Mumbai hospital

MUMBAI: West Indies batting legend Brian Lara was admitted to Global Hospital in Parel on Tuesday morning due to a minor heart scare. Lara, who had undergone an angioplasty procedure a couple of years ago, was in a gym on Tuesday morning when he complained of chest pain. He underwent several tests as well as an angiography procedure by cardiologist Pravin Kulkarni, but they revealed no fresh concerns.In an audio statement tweeted by the West Indies Cricket Board late on Tuesday, Lara said he is fine and recovering. “I’ll be back in my hotel room tomorrow. A couple of tests came back already, the doctors are happy,” he said. Lara, based out of Mumbai for the last few months, doing commentary at the Star Sports studio—first for IPL and now for the ICC World Cup—complained of uneasiness early in the day and was rushed to hospital.Sources said, “He was complaining of unease but he’s absolutely fine now. There’s nothing to worry about.” Officials from Star Sports too reached the hospital.While Global Hospital officials said the patient had asked them not to divulge further information, Lara himself released an audio statement later in the day. “Hi, everyone. I know everyone is very concerned about what’s happening. I think I just extended myself a bit too much in the gym this morning and was feeling a bit of pain in my chest and I felt it was best to see a doctor,” Lara said.“The pain continued, so obviously a lot of tests have been done. I am just chilling in my hospital bed watching England vs Australia. Hopefully, Australia can restrict England and beat them, not a big fan of England.” It is learnt that post the India-Afghanistan match, Lara had been on a break from his commentary duties and was expected to resume on the eve of the India-West Indies match scheduled for June 27.Lara has been part of Star Sports’ Select Dugout, a special studio where experts have a pitch and a bat in hand to explain nuances. He had had agreed to be part of Select Dugout given its exclusivity.