LONDON. Nov 10 (Reuters/ Internet): Brian Lara and his West Indies' team-mates — have won a significant battle but not necessarily the war in their fight for more money and better conditions.

After four days of haggling at a London hotel, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) agreed on Monday night to reinstate Lara as captain and resurrect I he tour of South Africa threatened by players' strike.

The West Indies arrived in South Africa on Tuesday to start their tour that wall now begin with a match in the black township of Soweto on Wednesday- , ...

In a joint statement, the WICB and the West Indies Players Association agreed to a series of measures improving the players' lot.

WICB president Pat Rousseau also agreed to reinstate. Lara and his deputy Carl Hooper, sacked last Wednesday after refusing to fly to Antigua to meet the board at the start of the dispute. . , ,

"Both sides acknowledge that the dispute originally stemmed from a misunderstanding between the two parties." the statement read.

"All issues related to fees and conditions for the South African tour have been resolved between the two parties. Lara and Hooper have been reinstated as captain and vice-captain respectively and will fly out to South Africa with the rest of the team tonight.

"No disciplinary action will be taken against any of the players.”

However. Rousseau said there had been no increase in the fees for the tour and it would now be up to the players to divide the players' fee amongst themselves.

"WICB and WIPA (West Indies Players' Association) will work closely in a joint marketing programme from which all funding raised will be shared between the players and WICB." the statement said.

"WICB will take all practical steps to improve remuneration of players on future tours."

The outcome shifts the balance of power for the moment from management to the players. whose solidarity forced the

WICB into a corner.

The board had the option of sending a seriously understrength team or cancelling an historic tour, featuring the first full West Indies' team to tour the republic.

Both choices were unacceptable and. after a dispute, which featured a personal intervention from South African President Nelson Mandela, the WICB backed down.

But to consolidate Improved conditions and guarantee decent pay levels, the team must deliver on the field and arrest the decline in West Indies' cricket. or risk forfeiting public sympathy at home.

Early warning shots have been fifed in both the West Indies and South Africa, which should help to concentrate the players' minds.

Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur questioned Lara's role in the dispute and said West Indies' cricket was in a sorry state if a Caribbean issue had to be resolved in London.

'The West Indies' cricket captain is not just a player, he is also a member of the management structure in West Indies' cricket." Arthur said.

"I see him as a member of the management system that is in-volvea in the selection of West Indies' cricket and therefore he Is not just a player."

Arthur said Lara, as captain, had been obliged to meet the WICB In Antigua.

"I feel personally that by refusing to exercise his responsibility. that Mr Lara effectively severed his role as West Indies' captain and that that should be the non-negotiable aspect of this entire matter," he said.

South African sports lawyer Mark Spiro acknowledged the rebel cricketers' successful tactics.