For Brian Lara’s 51st birthday, we shortlisted the best of Lara eight classic innings that will be part of the cricket history.
The Best Of Lara
In a career of 131 tests and 11,953 runs in format, Lara for fun broke records on his way to becoming one of the greatest batsmen in the world. Choosing eight outstanding innings from the Prince of Port of Spain’s blade is no easy task, and after much thought, we came across this shortlist for a bracket challenge on social media.
Which of these innings, which will be revealed later in the day, is Lara’s best? Go to Twitter or Instagram to vote.
Happy Birthday to the Prince of Port of Spain!
— ICC (@ICC) May 2, 2020
To celebrate, join in a bracket challenge and vote 🗳️ for Brian Lara’s top Test innings 🤩
Stay tuned 🎉 pic.twitter.com/RsdV3SsRQd
153 * v Australia, Bridgetown, 1999: This fourth inning effort was one of the biggest setbacks in the sport. West Indies had a target of 308 in the third test in Barbados and had some problems at 248/8. But against an attack by Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne, and Stuart MacGill, a shapely Lara remained resolute, who expertly accompanied the lower order as she unfolded his series of punches. While Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh defiantly made their contribution, Lara gave the finishing touch to a special win with a wicket.
In the words of the great Clive Lloyd that day: “Playing like today and caring for players with much less skill was the hallmark of greatness.”
202 against South Africa, Johannesburg 2003: Unaffected by the first innings 561 in South Africa, Lara made 202 of his team 410 runs as the answer. The highlight was a flood of 28 runs from a Robin Peterson that was 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, 4. The hosts won with 189 runs, but not due to the lack of effort of the West Indian skipper. “You saw another Brian Lara today,” he said. “From what I’ve learned from Jimmy (Adams) and Carl (Hooper), I’ve become a determined player and a better captain.”
Vote for your favourite innings out of the two:
— ICC (@ICC) May 2, 2020
213 vs Australia, Kingston, 1999: Lara’s captain was under the scanner. The visiting Australians were at the top of the series and reduced the hosts to 34/4, with another batsman injured when Lara presented a master class. Together with Jimmy Adams (94), he stunned the opposing attack. The duo added 322 runs to gain a lead of 175.
Years later, in a conversation, the left-hander explained why the innings meant so much to him: “When I pulled these innings out in the face of adversity, it showed me what I was capable of. It might not be the nicest, but it was definitely the best, that I’ve ever stuck in my life. “
226 v Australia, Adelaide, 2005: Lara’s love affair with Australia and the Australian attack continued in his last series in the country. This hit came from 298 balls when none of his teammates scored half a century of innings.
West Indies lost through seven gates, but not before Lara Allan Bords’ s record for most test runs broke, which prompted the Australian to say, “There is no doubt that he is a real genius. I am sure I am not I’m the only Australian who is happy to see him hold this record. “
Which is your favourite Test innings out of the next two?
— ICC (@ICC) May 2, 2020
375 v England, Antigua, 1994: Garry Sobers’ 365 * from 1958 was the highest individual score in tests in 36 years before Lara broke the record. His 538 ball attempt in the fifth test spanned 12 hours and spanned 45 boundaries.
Sobers admired. “He is the only batsman today who plays the game the way it should be played – with his racket,” he said. “He never uses his pads and it’s always pride and joy to see him play.”
221 vs Sri Lanka, Colombo, 2001: Sri Lanka won the test with 10 gates, but Lara’s double century in a team of 390 was a class in itself. Only two other batsmen from the West Indies were able to double against a marauding home attack spearheaded by Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan.
400 * against England, St. John’s, 2004: Ten years after breaking Sobers’ record and six months after Matthew Hayden broke his, Lara regained the top spot in individual high scores in Test Cricket. The field contained no demons, but the batsman had to grapple with his own fluctuating form in the series and a team in decline to get a monumental blow. It took 582 balls and included 43 fours and four sixes.
277 v Australia, Sydney, 1993: The Prince’s first ton and one of his best. Shane Warne later joked: “If you didn’t let him run out, he’d probably still hit. He’s always filled the gaps.”
Given the hosts’ total 503 / 9d in the third test, Lara raised his side from 31/2 and combined with his skipper Richie Richardson in a great display that took Border’s men by storm. The great Rohan Kanhai from the West Indies was all praise: “Rear foot, front foot, timing, placement, against spin bowlers and fast bowlers alike. It was wonderful.”
