THE RECORD MAKER

 

Image Credit- The Guardian.

Venue- Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham [July 1994].

The English County Cricket has always attracted talents from all over the world. Many former and present cricketing legends have represented these historic teams in the longest format of the game. Furthermore, when legends play, old records get shattered and new records get created. However, one cricketing record was made in July 1994 which still stands strong. The record was made by the Great West Indian cricketer Brian Charles Lara. He scored an unbeaten 501* against Durham in Edgbaston. By doing so he surpassed the previous record of 499 scored by Pakistani cricketer Hanif Mohammad. 

Phil Bainbridge, the captain of Durham, won the toss and elected to bat first. It was a wise decision, as they declared after amassing a massive total of 556/8 in 158.5 overs. Durham's John Morris scored a well-deserved double hundred (204 runs from 287 balls) and ended up becoming the leading scorer for his team. Warwickshire's innings got off to a bad start when they lost their first wicket at the score of 8. It was then Lara arrived on the crease. The southpaw first received a reprieve when he was clean bowled for 12, but the delivery turned out to be a no ball. Later the Durham wicketkeeper Chris Scott dropped him when he was on 18.

Brian Lara then went on to score 501* of 427 deliveries at a strike rate of 117.33. His innings comprised of 62 boundaries and 10 sixes. It was a pure classy and elegant knock from the true legend of the game.  Due to his incredible knock, Warwickshire ended up scoring 810 runs in their first innings. Apart from Lara, Keith Piper too scored a well composed 116 for the hosts.  

Though the match ended in a draw, but it will always be remembered because of Brian Lara's heroics. Even today after 29 years the record stands strong. 

To watch the innings of Lara, Click Here.