Sham Samaroo

January 30, 2000

On a beautiful day in Antigua in April 1994, history was created and the architect was Brian Charles Lara.  Lara scored a majestic 375 runs against England, surpassing the record held by Sir Garfield Sobers for almost 35 years.  A record that eluded the brilliant Greg Chappell, the explosive Sir Vivian Richards, the consistent Sunil Gavaskar, the determined Javed Miandad…the list is endless.  In 1993, Lara had given an early warning of his voracious appetite for runs when he plundered the Australian attack for a spectacular 277 in Sydney.  After eclipsing the record in 1994, Lara reflected on his innings of 277 in Sydney and what he learned from it. He said that when he returned to the pavilion (after a senseless run out), he noticed that then Coach, Rohan Kanhai, was not too pleased. Lara then proceeded to recount a conversation that he had with Kanhai.  He told Kanhai that he felt that he (Kanhai) was not pleased with him, but pointed out that he had just scored 277 runs. Kanhai replied: "but the next time you go out to bat you start at zero". In other words, a batsman should never gift his wicket away even if he has already made a big score. Lara said that he never forgot that conversation.

Brian Lara - the kid from Trinidad with the boyish grin had finally reached the pinnacle of success.  He had conquered the cricketing world, and everywhere that he went, his adoring fans showered him with adulation and love.  Later that year, Lara went to England and set the English county championship ablaze.  He rattled off 5 consecutive centuries including a record breaking 501 not out versus Durham – a record held by Hanif Mohammad since 1957.

Now, it all seems so long ago.  Was it too beautiful to last?  The British poet John Keats once wrote that a thing of beauty is a joy forever.  Lara came at a time when West Indies cricket desperately needed a superstar.  He was engulfed in a tide of publicity, fame and fortune.  This proud son of Port of Spain was suddenly the envy of the cricketing world.  But soon the bright lights, the glitz, glamour, and yes, the fame, became too much for this simple kid from Trinidad.  It was the kid in him that once lamented to Wes Hall that cricket was "ruining his life".  Lara desperately needed a break from it all.  Sorry Brian, but someone should have told you that superstars do not get such luxury. 

Last year in the home series against Australia we saw the enigma that is Brian Lara.  Prior to the start of the series, the West Indies Cricket Board announced that Lara would be placed on a two-test captaincy probation. The first test followed the anticipated script as Australia humiliated the West Indies by 312 runs, dismissing them for a paltry 51 in their second innings.  To add insult to injury, all of this took place in Lara’s own hometown!  In the second test another embarrassment loomed on the horizon as Lara came out on the second day to resume his innings with the West Indies at 34 for 4. But it was not to be.  Lara took centre stage.  He completely dominated the Australian attack scoring a courageous 213 to lead his team to victory.  It was, however, in the next test that Lara would play what is considered to be one of the finest innings in test cricket.  His supremacy was evident as he led the West Indies to a one-wicket victory with a sparkling 153 not out.  Seldom has a batsman so completely dominated a series as Lara did.  He scored three centuries in consecutive tests to reverse what seemed like a walk in the park for the Aussies.  It was Lara at his finest hour, in his own inimitable style. His dominance was unmistakable, his brilliance incomparable.

As he has done so often in the past, Lara has surprised us yet again – this time by resigning the captaincy.  A year ago, following the 5-0 loss to South Africa, I wrote that Lara should step down as captain.  Whatever his reasons may be, he has finally made the correct decision.  Players like Lara or Tendulkar should not be burdened with the mundane task of captaincy.  That is better left to the average player who always had to work (strategize) to achieve success.  Steve Waugh is a very good example.  For Lara, it is his natural talent that remains his greatest asset.  Brian, now that this entire episode is finally behind you, it's time to get back to what you do best – batting. 

It is said that Lara can be arrogant, impetuous, and, at times, insensitive – that remains part of his flawed character.  But the cricket world must also remember the Genius that is Brian Lara.  Keats wrote: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.”  Lara’s batting is a thing of beauty, and the indelible memories will ensure that it never passes into nothingness. 

Good luck Brian!

 © shamsamaroo