BHUBANESHWAR, India (Jan 23 2007) - West Indies captain Brian Lara will miss the second One Day International against India in Cuttack on Wednesday January 24th on the advice of the team physiotherapist.

“Brian has a longstanding chronic knee problem in his left knee and after the first One Day International in Nagpur he pulled up a bit sore in that knee and I have advised him to miss the second ODI in Cuttack tomorrow,” said team physiotherapist Stephen Partridge.

“The One Day form of the game puts far more pressure on his left knee than Test cricket and with the World Cup around the corner he is heeding the advice of the medical team,” Partridge added.

“There are no immediate concerns for his World Cup availability,” Partridge assured.

No decision has yet been made about Lara’s availability for the third and fourth One Day Internationals.

In Lara’s absence vice captain Chris Gayle will make his debut as team captain.

Though disappointed at the loss of the team’s most experienced player Gayle is looking forward to the honour of leading the side.

“It’s an honour to captain the West Indies for the first time, the captain will be missed because he is our most experienced player,” Gayle said from the team hotel after the practice session on Tuesday.

“I’m sure the support will still be there from him (Lara) off the field and we will have to rally around each other in the middle and get the job done,” the left handed opener said.

“I’m looking forward to my first time captaining at this level, it will be another challenge but as always you just have to enjoy the game and keep your thinking cap on and continue improving our game,” Gayle said.

All rounder Dwayne Bravo will be available for the second ODI.

“He is still a little bit sore from his collision with the umpire in the first ODI but he has nothing that will significantly impede his cricket and he will be available to play tomorrow,” Partridge said in clearing Bravo.