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Brian Lara

Brian Lara is a Trinidadian former cricketer who played for the West Indies and is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in the sport’s history.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brian Lara is a Trinidadian former cricketer who played for the West Indies and is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in the sport's history. He is known for holding the records for the highest individual scores in Test cricket (400 not out) and first-class cricket (501 not out). He played international cricket from 1990 to 2007.

Early life and background

Brian Charles Lara was born on 2 May 1969 in Cantaro, Trinidad. He developed into a left-handed top-order batter and later represented Trinidad and Tobago domestically before playing internationally for the West Indies.

International career

Lara made his West Indies debut in 1990 and played international cricket until 2007. Across Tests and ODIs, he established himself as one of the most prolific run-scorers of his era, scoring 11,953 runs in 131 Tests and 10,405 runs in 299 One Day Internationals.

Records and achievements

Lara twice held the world record for the highest individual Test score, first with 375 and later with 400 not out. He also set the first-class record of 501 not out, a mark that remains one of cricket's most famous batting feats. He is one of the most decorated West Indian batters.

Legacy

Lara is widely considered one of cricket's greatest batters and a major figure in West Indies cricket history. His achievements were recognized with induction into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2012.

Key facts

  • Brian Lara played 131 Test matches and scored 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88.
  • He holds the Test record for the highest individual score, 400 not out against England in 2004.
  • He holds the first-class record for the highest individual score, 501 not out for Warwickshire in 1994.
  • He was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2012.
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Canadian context

Brian Lara is a major figure in world cricket and is relevant to Canadian readers through international cricket coverage, the West Indies’ matches against Associate and Full Member nations, and global cricket broadcasting.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Brian Lara?
Brian Lara is a former Trinidadian cricketer who played for the West Indies and is regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history.
What records does Brian Lara hold?
He holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, 400 not out, and the highest individual score in first-class cricket, 501 not out.
When was Brian Lara born?
He was born on 2 May 1969 in Cantaro, Trinidad.
How many runs did Brian Lara score in Tests?
He scored 11,953 runs in 131 Test matches.
How many ODI runs did Brian Lara score?
He scored 10,405 runs in 299 One Day Internationals.
Was Brian Lara inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2012.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Brian-Lara
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, and overview as a West Indian cricketer.
  2. Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/article/world/factbox-west-indies-batsman-brian-lara-idUSL19604399/
    Supports: Career statistics in Tests and ODIs; highest Test score and first-class record.
  3. West Indies Cricket — https://www.windiescricket.com/players/brian-lara-3612/
    Supports: Career overview, debut era, 11,953 Test runs, and 375/400 world-record innings.
  4. ICC — https://www.icc-cricket.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-famers/hall-of-famer-brian-lara
    Supports: Hall of Fame induction, records, and career milestones.
  5. Wisden — https://www.wisden.com/players/brian-lara-1788
    Supports: Playing role, batting style, and Hall of Fame recognition.