Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian cricketer, will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game of cricket. His elegant batting style, exquisite timing, and ability to dismantle any bowling attack made him a force to be reckoned with during his illustrious career.
Brian Charles Lara, the Prince of Cricket, converted his hundreds into big ones once he got going. Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian cricketer, scored nine double centuries in Test cricket.
His highest score of 400* against England in 2004 remains the highest individual score in Test history. Lara’s incredible batting prowess and remarkable records make him an iconic figure in the world of cricket.
Lara holds several records, but one of the most remarkable feats in his cricketing journey was his prowess in scoring double centuries in Test cricket. In this article, we delve into the list of Brian Lara’s double centuries in Test cricket and relive the moments of brilliance that etched his name in cricketing history.
| No. | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 277 | Australia | Sydney | 2 Jan 1993 |
| 2 | 375 | England | St. John’s | 16 Apr 1994 |
| 3 | 213 | Australia | Kingston | 13 Mar 1999 |
| 4 | 221 | Sri Lanka | Colombo | 29 Nov 2001 |
| 5 | 209 | Sri Lanka | Gros Islet | 20 Jun 2003 |
| 6 | 202 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 12 Dec 2003 |
| 7 | 400* | England | St. John’s | 10 Apr 2004 |
| 8 | 226 | Australia | Adelaide | 25 Nov 2005 |
| 9 | 216 | Pakistan | Multan | 19 Nov 2006 |
1. 277 vs Australia | Sydney, January 2, 1993
Lara’s first Test double century came against Australia in Sydney in January 1993. The left-hander displayed his batting genius, guiding the West Indies to a total of 606 runs with his 277. Despite Lara’s exceptional innings, the match ended in a draw as Australia managed to score 503/9 and 117/0 in their two innings.
2. 375 vs England | St. John’s, April 16, 1994
The second double century by the West Indian maestro came against England in April 1994 at home in St. John’s. Lara’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary, as he went on to register the highest individual score in Test cricket at the time.
Scoring a mammoth 375 runs with 45 boundaries, Lara etched his name in cricketing folklore. The match ended in a draw, with England making 593 in response to the West Indies’ 593/5 declared.
3. 213 vs Australia | Kingston, March 13, 1999
Five years after his first double century, Lara showcased his brilliance yet again with a stunning 213 against Australia in Kingston.
In a remarkable display of his batting prowess, Lara’s innings of 213, comprising 29 fours and three sixes, guided the West Indies to a commanding victory by 10 wickets. Australia’s two innings saw them score 256 and 177, while the West Indies amassed 431 in their only inning.
4. 221 vs Sri Lanka | Colombo, November 29, 2001
Lara’s fourth double century came against Sri Lanka in November 2001 in Colombo. The West Indies scored 390 runs in their first inning, with Lara contributing a masterful 221. Sri Lanka declared their innings at 627/9, holding a lead of 237 runs. The West Indies made 262 in their second inning, setting a target of 26 runs for Sri Lanka, who secured a commanding 10-wicket victory.
In the second innings, Lara scored 130 runs, joining the elite list of batters who scored a double century and a century in the same Test.
5. 209 vs Sri Lanka | Gros Islet, June 20, 2003
Lara’s fifth double century was achieved against Sri Lanka in June 2003 at Gros Islet. The match ended in a draw as Sri Lanka made 354 and 126/0 in their two innings, while the West Indies posted 477/9 declared in their single inning. Lara’s majestic 209, including 24 fours and one six, showcased his sheer class and dominance with the bat.
6. 202 vs South Africa | Johannesburg, December 12, 2003
Against South Africa in December 2003 in Johannesburg, Lara crafted his sixth double century. Despite Lara’s brilliance with a score of 202, South Africa emerged victorious, winning the match by 189 runs. South Africa posted 561 and 226/6 declared, while the West Indies managed 410 and 188 in their two innings.
7. 400* vs England | St. John’s, April 10, 2004
In a historic and record-breaking innings, Lara etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the first player to score 400 runs in a Test inning. Against England in April 2004 in St. John’s, Lara’s unbeaten knock of 400 included 43 fours and four sixes. The match ended in a draw, with the West Indies declaring a mammoth total of 751/5.
8. 226 vs Australia | Adelaide, November 25, 2005
Lara’s eighth double century was achieved against Australia in November 2005 at the Adelaide Oval. Although the West Indies lost the match by seven wickets, Lara’s 226 in the first innings displayed his resilience and batting prowess. His innings comprised 22 fours, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
9. 216 vs Pakistan | Multan, November 19, 2006
Lara’s last double century in Test cricket came against Pakistan in November 2006 in Multan. He displayed his class with a scintillating 216, including 22 fours and seven sixes, guiding the West Indies to a lead of 234 runs. The match ended in a draw, with Pakistan at 461-7 when the game concluded.
Final Words
Brian Lara’s legacy in cricket will forever be cherished by fans around the world. His artistry with the bat, especially his mastery of scoring double centuries, remains unparalleled. Lara’s ability to dominate bowlers and score big runs made him a cricketing icon and an inspiration to future generations of batsmen.
Brian Lara’s double centuries stand as a testament to his unmatched talent and contribution to the game of cricket. Each of these innings showcased his flair, elegance, and determination on the field.
Lara’s record-breaking 400 not out remains the pinnacle of batting excellence, setting a standard that very few can aspire to match. The West Indian legend will forever be remembered as one of cricket’s greatest ambassadors. And his remarkable double centuries will continue to inspire cricketing enthusiasts for generations to come.
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