Brian Lara

Brian Charles Lara is a former international cricketer from Trinidad and Tobago, born on May 2, 1969, in Santa Cruz, Trinidad. He is often regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. Lara started his professional career with Trinidad and Tobago in 1990 before being selected for the West Indies team in the same year. He won numerous accolades and broke several records, including the highest individual score in first-class cricket, with 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994.

Lara is known for his aggressive batting style, timing, and ability to score runs against all types of bowling attacks. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1994 and 1995. Off the field, Lara is recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant contributions to various charitable foundations.

Trinidad and Tobago

• Early Career: Lara began his career with Trinidad and Tobago in 1990, where he quickly established himself as a promising young talent.

Warwickshire

• Record-breaking Performance: Lara joined English county Warwickshire in 1994. It was here that he achieved the world record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket, with an unbeaten 501 against Durham.

West Indies

• International Success: Lara made his international debut for the West Indies in 1990. Over the next 17 years, he became one of the most successful batsmen in the history of cricket, breaking numerous records and winning several awards.

West Indies National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for West Indies in 1990.

Achievements:

• He holds the record for the highest individual score in a test innings, with 400 not out against England in 2004.
• Lara is the only cricketer to have scored 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 in first-class cricket.
• He is the fastest player to score 10,000 and 11,000 runs in Test cricket, reaching the milestones in 195 and 213 innings respectively.

• Position: Primarily a left-handed batsman.
• Skills: Known for his aggressive batting style, superior timing, and ability to score runs against any type of bowling. Lara is celebrated for his high scoring rate, ability to play long innings, and tactical acumen.

• Family: Lara has a daughter, Sydney, with his partner Leasel Rovedas.
• Philanthropy: Lara is involved in various charitable activities, including the Pearl and Bunty Lara Foundation, which provides financial and other forms of support to aspiring athletes in Trinidad and Tobago.

• Brian Lara is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his contribution to the sport of cricket and his influence on future generations of cricketers. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Highest Individual Score in Test Cricket:

• 400 not out

Highest Individual Score in First-Class Cricket:

• 501 not out

Fastest to 10,000 and 11,000 Test Runs:

• 195 and 213 innings respectively

Books

• Brian Lara: An Unbeatable Story. Aurum Press.
• Brian Lara: The Prince of Port of Spain. by James Fuller.

Websites

• ESPNcricinfo: Detailed statistics and records of Brian Lara’s career. Available at: https://www.espncricinfo.com
• Wisden: Detailed articles and analysis of Brian Lara’s career. Available at: https://www.wisden.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Brian Lara: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/
• The Guardian: Brian Lara’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/brianlara

Interviews and Documentaries

• Brian Lara: Cricket’s Great (2015): This documentary provides a detailed look at Lara’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Brian Lara, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com