Brian Lara's Batting Records: 400* and 501* — The Pinnacle of Individual Excellence

Brian Lara's Twin Record-Breaking Innings

Brian Lara, the left-handed West Indies batsman widely considered the finest batsman of the 1990s and one of cricket's all-time greats, holds two of cricket's most extraordinary records. He scored 375* against England at Antigua in 1994 (a Test record at the time), then 501* for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994 (the highest-ever first-class score), then reclaimed the Test record with 400* against England at Antigua in 2004.

The 400* Against England, 2004

Lara's 400* was scored over nearly two days of batting against England at the Antigua Recreation Ground. He batted for 778 minutes, faced 582 balls, and hit 43 fours and 4 sixes. The innings ended when Lara declared — meaning he was not out — in response to England declaring having set him the record in their sights. The innings came on a perfect pitch and gave West Indies a first-innings lead that helped them draw the Test.

501* for Warwickshire, 1994

Lara's 501* for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994 remains the highest individual score in all first-class cricket. He scored 501 runs in a single county championship innings, batting for 474 minutes. The innings broke the previous record (405 by Hanif Mohammad) that had stood for 35 years. Lara's county career with Warwickshire produced extraordinary run-scoring and is considered one of the finest individual seasons in English county cricket history.