Brian Lara: The Prince of Port of Spain
Brian Lara holds both the highest individual Test score (400*) and the highest first-class score (501*). Explore his extraordinary career, his two world record innings, and his legacy in West Indian cricket.
Brian Charles Lara, born in Trinidad in 1969, is the only batter in cricket history to hold the world record for the highest score in both Test cricket (400 not out) and first-class cricket (501 not out for Warwickshire vs Durham in 1994). A left-handed batter of exceptional elegance, power, and concentration, Lara single-handedly carried West Indian batting through a difficult era from 1990 to 2006.
Career Highlights
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Test runs | 11,953 |
| Test average | 52.88 |
| Test centuries | 34 |
| Highest Test score | 400* (vs England, Antigua, 2004) |
| Highest FC score | 501* (Warwickshire vs Durham, Edgbaston, 1994) |
| Notable series | 1994-95 vs Australia (twice broke world record in same year) |
The Two World Records
In 1994 Lara scored 375 against England at Antigua — breaking Garry Sobers's 36-year record — and then, weeks later, scored 501 not out for Warwickshire in a county championship match. No batter has held both the Test and first-class records simultaneously before or since. In 2003, Matthew Hayden broke the Test record with 380. Lara responded in April 2004 by breaking Hayden's record with 400 not out — again at Antigua, again against England.
375 at Antigua — Lara Breaks Sobers's Record
When Lara neared 365 — Sobers's record — the ground fell silent. He played Angus Fraser to extra cover for a single at 364, equalling it. Then from the next ball he pulled through midwicket to reach 365. Sobers ran onto the field to embrace him. The Caribbean crowd erupted. What followed was the record being extended to 375 — itself a landmark that lasted a decade.
Lara's Burden
Lara's career coincided with West Indies' decline from the dominant force of the 1970s-80s to a competitive but erratic unit. He carried an enormous personal burden — when Lara failed, West Indies often lost; when he scored, they were competitive. He was not always a consistent captain, but as a batter he remained the equal of any player in the world until retirement in 2007.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brian Lara's highest Test score?
400 not out against England at Antigua Recreation Ground in April 2004. He also scored 375 at the same ground in 1994.
How many Test centuries did Brian Lara score?
Lara scored 34 Test centuries from 232 innings, averaging 52.88. He scored 11,953 Test runs — the highest by any West Indian batter.
What is Lara's highest first-class score?
501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham at Edgbaston in 1994 — the highest individual score in all first-class cricket history.