THE RECORD BREAKER

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Antigua Recreation Ground, St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda [16-21 April 1993].

In the summer of 1993, the English cricket team toured the West Indies to play 5 tests and 5 ODIs. Everyone was expecting a fierce contest between the two great cricketing nations. However, the series was done and dusted by the third test itself, and the remaining two test games were simply a dead rubber. The Visitors, however, did win back some of their lost prestige as they defeated the Hosts in the 4th Test at Barbados. As a result, the crowd appeared in huge numbers for the final test. However, what happened next was something that garnered the attention of the entire cricketing world. 

After Captain Walsh won the toss and elected to bat first, the two new openers were dismissed in no time as pacers Caddick and Fraser took wickets in their opening spells, leaving the home team at 12/2 and forcing Lara to the crease early in the morning. He was still there at the end of play, with 164 not out, having added 179 with Jimmy Adams (59), and he was already controlling his partnership with Keith Arthurton (47). With his second century in just 131 balls, Lara sent the ball to every corner of the pitch as these two combined 187 for the fourth wicket. As Lara advanced to 320, Chanderpaul (75*) joined him for the last session of the second day. 

However, it was the opening session of the third day that no cricket fan will ever forget. The sound of Lara's hook shot off fast bowler Chris Lewis will live on in the memories of all West Indies supporters. The left-handed batsman reached 369, surpassing Sobers' record of 365, which had stood since 1958. As scores of supporters encircled his teammate Shivnarine Chanderpaul as he stormed the field, Lara barely had time to give him a hug before he shattered the record. In order to shield Lara from the boisterous supporters, the Antigua police also ran onto the field. The fact that Sobers was on the ground to witness the moment added to its specialness. Sobers was waiting at the boundary when Lara was about to break the record, and the police led him onto the field to congratulate him. Sobers gave Lara, who was now well-known in the world of cricket, a hug while the spectators were still on the field. Lara's 375, which featured 45 fours and came off 538 deliveries, was only his third century in Test cricket at the time. He reached the milestone with the assistance of a few capable teammates, including Chanderpaul, Keith Arthurton, and Jimmy Adams, who all contributed significant innings. 

The Windies eventually declared at a massive total of 593/5 as the English bowlers toiled hard for around 180 overs. Fortunately, the English batsmen did not submit easily, as they showed resilience and determination. Both Stewart and Ramprakash got off to a good start but were dismissed soon by Kenny Benjamin. However, for the next seven hours, the duo of Atherton and Smith added 303 for the third wicket, giving the English supporters a partnership of their own to celebrate. The visitors, however, soon went from 372/2 to 417/6 after Smith (175) was dismissed. However, Atherton continued his fight with the bat and was ultimately removed after nine hours for a determined 135. Eventually England tied the West Indies total with a century partnership from Russell (62) and Lewis (75*) as the first innings concluded on the final day of the match.

Eventually both the captains decided to call it a day, and the match ended in a draw. The Windies won the series 3-1, but the English had something to cheer about. However, even though people might not remember each and every game of this series, but, even after three decades, this match is often talked about among the fans because of just one cricketer, and he is Brian Charles Lara.

To relive that Historic Moment, Click Here.