Image Credit- ESPN Cricinfo
Venue- Antigua Recreation Ground, St. John's, Antigua [April, 2004].
West Indies were playing England in a 4 match test series. At the end of third test, the visitors were leading the series 3-0. The cloud of whitewash were looming over in Antigua. In such a condition West Indian Captain Brian Lara won the toss and elected to bat first.
On a batting friendly wicket the hosts were struggling to score runs. Andrew Flintoff picked up the first wicket of the game as Darren Ganga was leg before at an individual score of 10 runs. The scorecard read 33-1 and this is when Brian Lara stepped in to bat.
Post arrival of Lara the tables turned. Windies were now freely scoring runs in every part of the ground. Gayle and Lara had a partnership of 65 runs in just 12 overs. However Gayle was caught and bowled by Batty at an individual score of 69. The West Indies scorecard was now 98/2 and Ramnaresh Sarwan stepped in to bat.
However this is when Lara took charge of the game. He played a knock which no cricket fan has ever seen before on an international stage. Brian Lara scored an unbeaten 400 runs in just 582 balls. His innings consisted of 43 boundaries and 4 sixes. Furthermore this was not just power hitting, but was pure class and timing of the Prince.
Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo
This innings of Lara was simply flawless. It was pure art. Due to his individual score of 400*, the hosts were able to post a massive score of 751/5 in their first innings. Apart from Lara, Ridley Jacobs scored 107* and Ramnaresh Sarwan scored a brilliant 90. It is interesting to note that by scoring 400*, Brian Lara broke Matthew Hayden's highest individual score of 380. The record of highest individual score in a test match was with Lara for long before Matthew Hayden eclipsed him. But by this knock of his the prince reclaimed his crown.
In response the visitors were bowled out for 285 runs in their first innings. Andrew Flintoff scored an unbeaten 102. Pedro Collins picked up 4 wickets, whereas Tino Best picked up 3 wickets. The West Indies then enforced a follow on.
In the second innings the English batsmen batted much better due to which they were able to save the test. Riding on skipper Michael Vaughan's 140 the English were able to score 422/5 in their second innings. The test match ended in a draw and the series went to England. However this series will forever be remembered for Brian Lara's 400*.
Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo
To watch West Indies first innings, click here.
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