20 Years since the Great Lara 400 runs not out innings

WIDELY REGARDED as the greatest batsman of all time, Brian Lara on Friday celebrated 20 years since his world record innings of 400 not out against England in the fourth Test at the Antigua Recreational Ground.

Lara’s innings was done in a brisk 582 deliveries, helping the West Indies to pile on a total of 751/5 declared, eventually ending the contest in a draw.

Former teammate Peter Jeffrey Dujon said Lara’s innings showcased his brilliance and ability with the cricket bat, as he took advantage of favourable batting conditions throughout the innings.
“It goes without saying that to stand up and make 400 runs in a Test match is a testimony to his ability. He was clearly a very talented player and he took advantage of good conditions and really capitalised on them, it was a hell of an achievement,” said Dujon.

Six months earlier, Australia’s Matthew Hayden had slammed 380 against Zimbabwe, in the process, erasing Lara’s previous world record 375. According to Dujon, he saw signs from a young Lara that he had the making of a future great because he had an appetite for scoring heavily. He added that the concentration level that the former Trinidad and Tobago cricketer possessed was a critical attribute to his greatness.

Source:Jamaica-gleaner.com

In reply to Slipfeeler

Don't believe this record will be broken!!!!

The GOAT indeed!!!!!

In reply to Emir

This record will be around for a long time for since the inception of T20. it has indirectly impacted test cricket, with batsmen going after big shots but unwillingness to pursue innings over 300 runs. Ironically, I think Chris Gayle was the last West Indian to score over 300 runs.

In reply to Slipfeeler

So modern day batters will indeed score much faster but with it comes much greater risk, thus the record will not be broken for many many many years, if ever.

and the only thing that I could thing about is 'damn I am 20 years older'

In reply to doosra

Really? No joy at all, that our own is still the record holder despite our great fall from world domination and our current irrelevancy in global cricket?

In reply to Slipfeeler

I remember staying home late from lunch so I can see the record broken and set. Was in 5th form. Miss a whole session of POB I think. But was worth it.

You know, if somebody ever does break that record...he'll just come out of retirement and make 500

Seriously though, Brian Lara was an absolute joy to watch. Legend, true great of the game and as touched upon by Jeffrey Dujon, concentration on a level that is so very rare. If some of the talented younger generation of batsmen could have half of that level of discipline with their concentration, West Indies would be well on the up.

One comment Lara made during his career that always stuck with me..."when I see the wicket is doing a lot and bowlers are doing well, I feel it is a good opportunity for me to go out there and take over the game, to dominate"

That really made me think...just how confident in your own ability you must be, to have that mindset. Amazing player...

In reply to Emir

That's not what I meant

I was so lucky to see so many of his innings live although I left Antigua when he was in the 290s for his first world record.

I wanted him to bat on to 500* in that match against England - just to mad the haterz

Pure class - lash dem Lara!

In reply to doosra

A youngster scored 400* yesterday for DCC in a second division match, against one of the weakest teams in GCA cricket... Maybe it's his tribute to the great man

Brandon Jaikaran... 400* off 231 balls (55 fours and 12 sixes).

Scorecard

In reply to anthonyp

he is a keeper?

i saw dcc west dem final on youtube last month

55 4s lawd

In reply to doosra

Yep... I think he is a wicketkeeper...

The U-19 inter-county is on right now... No coverage this year though, guess GCB don't have the funds.. FL sports probably raise their fee lol

In reply to Slipfeeler

I am pleased to say that I was there at the ARG for that knock and enjoyed every minute of it. Also remember that the team declared at 751/ 5 at the time and still now our 2nd highest team total behind the 790/3 vs Pakistan at Kingston in 1958. The context of that match was West Indies was facing their first ever whitewash at home after losing the first 3 Tests of the 4 Test series. It was more about pride than anything and that we fought hard for and achieved. I felt so proud. I remember the English fans saying oh Lara is selfish they should declare already but we shut them down telling them; 'Just tek allyuh licks'. Always friendly banter with the Barmy Army. Be that as it may we still had a chance to win the game had Lara not been declined to claim the catch that he threw up in celebration only to dive back and not take it. Flintoff went on to score 102 in the 1st innings and more importantly killed time and saved England who were tottering at 98/5.

Still have my jersey autographed by most of the team except Lara- '751/5 we have dem now'.

In reply to doosra