THE BEST OF BRIAN LARA

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Adelaide Oval, Adelaide [25-29 November, 2005].

In the Summer of 2005, West Indian Cricket Team toured Australia to play 3 Test Matches. The Hosts won the first 2 tests comfortably and were successful in winning the series even before the action reached Adelaide for the final test. However, there was still a lot to play for their Skipper Lara who was playing his last game in Australia. Over the last 13 years he has performed brilliantly in Australia. As, a result he wanted to end his Australian memories on a high. And Boy! What a performance he delivered in his final game Down Under. 

In front of lethal Australian bowling line-up which comprised of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill, Brian Lara stood tall. When others were struggling to play their shots, he played a knock which every cricketer dreams to play. Lara scored a magnificent 226 of 298 deliveries in front of a packed Adelaide Oval Crowd. His innings comprised of 22 boundaries. Even though there was an early scare of him getting out LBW to Symonds, but after that he dominated every bowler who bowled to him. Be it pace bowling or spin, he put everyone to sword. Furthermore his innings was not only about power hitting, but also about class and timing. The elegance with which he batted was a treat to our eyes.  

Furthermore, it was only because of Lara's heroic that the Windies were successful in crossing 400 in their first innings. Unfortunately despite his valiant efforts the team lost the match by 7 wickets and were ultimately whitewashed. However, everyone present there was in awe of Lara who bid farewell to the Australian Audience in a grandest of style.

To watch the knock of Brian Lara, Click Here.