Holder of both the highest Test score (400*) and the highest first-class score (501*) — a unique distinction in cricket history.
Brian Charles Lara was born in Santa Cruz, Trinidad in 1969 and became the most prolific run-scorer in the history of Test cricket at the time of his retirement, holding both the highest individual Test score (400 not out) and the highest first-class score (501 not out) simultaneously — a distinction unique in cricket history. His Test record: 11,953 runs across 131 matches at 52.88, with 34 centuries. His ODI record: 10,405 runs in 299 matches at 40.48 with 19 centuries. He played for Trinidad and Tobago domestically and had a celebrated county career at Warwickshire where he scored 501 not out against Durham in 1994 — breaking Hanif Mohammad's first-class record of 499. Six weeks later he scored 375 against England in Antigua — a new Test record. He reclaimed that record in 2004 with 400 not out, also against England at Antigua. His 153 not out in Barbados in 1999 — on a difficult pitch against the world's best attack — is considered among the finest Test innings ever played. He captained the West Indies through a period of decline from 1990s dominance, often carrying the batting attack almost alone. His combination of elegance, power and concentration against quality fast bowling made him the most celebrated batsman of his generation.
ICC Test Championship 1990s (West Indies)
He is the only player to hold both the highest Test score and the highest first-class score simultaneously.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- ICC Test Championship 1990s (West Indies)
- Wisden Cricketer of Year 1995
- World Record Test score 375 (1994), 400* (2004)
- World Record First-class score 501* (1994)
- Wisden Leading Cricketer in World 2004