``I think on the 26th of November there is going to be a Test match,'' said Lara who, with eight other players, flew to London rather than Johannesburg because of a pay dispute.

``I hope in the near future we can rectify things,'' Lara said. ``The main thing is that the tour is on, everyone wants it on. All I hope is that at the end of the day, cricket will be played.''

Asked whether he would take part in the tour, Lara said: ``We'll have to wait and see. My life is playing cricket; I'd love to turn out for the West Indies. Hopefully, things can be sorted out for the betterment of everybody.''

Talking at a hotel near London's Heathrow airport, he said he was not sure he would attend the meeting with the mediation delegation from the West Indies and South Africa as he was no longer a member of the West Indies cricket team.

``My position in this - it's a very unfortunate position at present.

``All I can say is that what has resulted so far from this situation is a bit unfortunate. I hope in the near future we can rectify this,'' added Lara.