Brian Lara (West Indies)
Tuesday, December 24 2002 15:15 Hrs (IST)

Brian Lara is perhaps among best batsman in the world today. Cricket pundits often debate this assertion with Tendulkar, but Lara carries the day with him as an elegant left-hander when in form. Lara is about the only cricketer in the West Indian team, who can win matches single-handedly and the West Indians rely heavily on him to do just that.

Perhaps it is this pressure that has forced him to play less flamboyantly than before and Lara is a much-mellowed player now. He still holds the record for the highest score by an individual in Test cricket. He scored a mammoth 375 against England at Antigua in 1994.

Lara made his One-day debut in 1990 versus Pakistan and two years later he made his World Cup debut against the same team. He smashed 88 and was forced to retire hurt in the Benson and Hedges game versus Pakistan in 1992 but by then the damage was done and West Indies won by 10 wickets.

He has played a total of just 19 World Cup matches and scored a total of 708 runs at an average 44.25. This figure shows that he scored consistently for his side thus disproving any rumours about his inconsistency.

Lara, coming in at the fall of one wicket, never waits for too long before making his presence felt. Sooner or later he would sight a loose delivery and lose no time in taking maximum advantage of it. Remarkably, he had the ability of changing the equation of the game within the space of 10 overs or so.

Once he was set, there was nothing the bowlers could do but try to contain him to the best of their ability. He plays equally well against the spinners as well as the fast bowlers. He also plays the hook and the pull shot fabulously. He has always been a crowd puller because of his smooth stroke making and attractive style of playing.

Fans will be hoping he can bring back some of the old magic in the 2003 World Cup and if he does so then the West Indies can look forward to an interesting tournament.

Compiled Ramnath Bhat

Extras: