CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CMC):

Stand-in West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo says his confidence in his new role has been boosted by the support of former batting star Brian Lara.

Bravo, who led the team during the one-day international series in Zimbabwe last December with Chris Gayle out injured and has been forced into action again during the South African tour, said he had been in contact with the 38-year-old retired icon.

'Father figure to me'

"As soon as it was possible after I had got the responsibility [in Zimbabwe], Brian Lara sent me a text message [of congratulations]. I also got a call into my hotel room, which was something special for me," the 24-year-old said. "He's been like a father figure to me, and all the way from India [where he was playing in the Indian Cricket League] he found the time to call. It's nice to know he cares. He has been sending messages to me to pass on to Chris Gayle and the team. He still loves West Indies cricket."

Lara, who also captained the West Indies, retired from inter-national cricket last year following the West Indies' wretched run in the Cricket World Cup. He led the West Indies in 47 Tests, winning just 10 and losing 26, but was forced to oversee the side during one of its most turbulent periods.

Bravo stood in for Gayle in Zimbabwe when the Jamaican injured his hamstring and took over from the third Test of the current South African tour after Gayle fractured his thumb.