West Indies captain, arguably best batsman in the modern era, Brian Lara has retired from all international cricket after Saturday's thrilling World Cup match against England.
As an ardent fan of the game I have a huge respect for West Indies not only because they play humbly but they are a team who enjoys and respects opponents’ cricket. Most Carbines comes to watch “game of cricket” not necessarily to see home team winning. They really know how to respect and enjoy the game. I always enjoyed watching Lara batting as same as great Lloyd and Viv. The Irony is that I enjoy watching Lara batting (especially in Test matches) rather than Jayasuriya.
For me most memorable moments of Lara’s cricketing career are (obviously) breaking of the 36-year-old mark with his 375 against England in Antigua in 1994 and Unbeaten 400 against England after 10 years in the same ground and ironically against same team – England. Next was Lara’s 4, 6, 6, 4, 4, and 4 off a Robin Pietersen over in 2003 to break the world record of most runs in an over and his epic double century, to pass the Allan Border's world record total of 11,174, against Australia at the Adelaide Oval.
At the end of his great cricketing career, sudden fame turned him into a confused and conflicting figure. Lara's headship style has been called into question by West Indies past players including Michael Holding, who called for him to be replaced as captain even before they were knocked out of the competition. However former West Indies captain, cricket legent Sir Garfield Sobers insisted Lara was not responsible for the team's under-performance. He captained his side in 47 Tests, winning 10, but under his captaincy West Indies won the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy by beating England at The Oval. I think deteriorating West Indies cricket management is more responsible for the catastrophe of the team. After Ambrose-Walsh retirement they couldn’t find right replacement (or haven’t groomed anyone) to continue the West Indies fierce pace attack nor steady opening pair to replace Haynes-Greenidge.
LARA Facts :
Born: Cantaro, Trinidad 2.5.69
131 Tests
11,953 runs, average 52.88, 34x100, 48x50, highest score 400no
299 ODIs
10,405 runs, average 40.48, 19x100, 63x50, highest score 169
First class cricket
21, 993 runs, average 51.38, 64x100, 87x50, highest score 501no
"I want to be remembered as a batsman who provided entertainment to the fans," - Brian Charles Lara
