#ThisDayThatYear: Brain Lara breaks Sir Garfield Sobers' 36-year-old record
On 18 April 1994, Brian Lara entered the record books by owning the then-highest individual score in Test cricket. The record was previously held by arguably the greatest ever all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, who smashed an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958. Lara eclipsed this record in the fifth Test against England at St John's. Here is how the match unfolded.
West Indies' innings was duly powered by Lara
Batting first on a lively St John's track, West Indies lost openers Stuart Williams and Phil Simmons early on. Lara shared a 179-run stand with Jimmy Adam for the third wicket and then added 183 runs with Keith Arthurton. The hosts finished on 502/4 at stumps on Day 2. Batting on 320*, Lara needed 46 more runs on Day 3 to create history.
Lara reached the feat on Day 3
Interestingly, Lara reached the much-awaited landmark on Day 3 in the presence of Sobers. This was also Lara's first ever triple century in Test cricket. The southpaw was eventually dismissed on 375, having set a new bar in the longest format. He batted for a record 766 minutes, smashing as many as 45 fours. The hosts declared on 593/5.
The match was drawn on the final day
Notably, England were also bundled out for 593, riding on knocks of Robin Smith (175) and skipper Mike Atherton (135). Their innings were later bolstered by Jack Russell (62) and Chris Lewis (75*). West Indies batted for 24 overs in the second innings before the match was drawn. Besides, Lara Lara was named Player of the Match for his miraculous knock.
Lara dethroned Matthew Hayden in 2004
In October 2003, Matthew Hayden surpassed Lara's tally by racking up 380 against Zimbabwe in the Perth Test. Six months later, Lara reclaimed this record when he piled up 400 against England at the very same venue (St John's). This feat is still unmatched.
