Brian Lara Profile: The West Indian Who Made 400 in a Test
Profile of Brian Lara, the West Indian left-hander who holds the highest individual Test score of 400 not out and the first-class record of 501 not out.
Brian Lara is widely considered one of the greatest batters of all time. A left-hander with a high backlift and exceptional timing, he set records that still stand, including the highest individual score in Test cricket, 400 not out, and the highest score in first-class cricket, 501 not out.
Early life and rise
Born in Santa Cruz, Trinidad, in 1969, Lara was the product of a cricket-loving family and was coached from a young age. He made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1990 and soon showed he was capable of scoring heavily on the biggest stage.
Playing style
Lara’s batting was based on a very high backlift, quick feet and wristy strokes, which allowed him to hit the ball to all parts of the ground. He was known for his ability to concentrate for very long periods, and for the way he could dominate even the best attacks.
Career highlights
In 1994, Lara scored 375 against England in Antigua, then the highest Test score. A few weeks later, he hit 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham at Edgbaston, which remains the highest first-class score. In 2004, he regained the Test record by making 400 not out against England in Antigua.
Lara scored 34 Test centuries and over 11,900 Test runs in 131 matches. He also made a notable 153 not out against Australia in Bridgetown in 1999, widely regarded as one of the great Test innings, following a double century in Kingston in the same series. In one-day internationals, he scored more than 10,000 runs.
He captained the West Indies and retired from international cricket after the 2007 World Cup, which was played in the Caribbean.
Legacy
Lara was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2012. His records, and the artistry of his batting, make him one of the defining figures in the history of West Indian cricket. Career totals are given as at his retirement in 2007.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brian Lara’s highest Test score?
His highest Test score is 400 not out, made against England in Antigua in 2004.
What is Lara’s first-class record?
He scored 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994, the highest first-class score.
When did Brian Lara retire?
He retired from international cricket after the 2007 World Cup.