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Lara party over too soon

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Martin Gough | 17:20 UK time, Saturday, 21 April 2007

Martin GoughBarbados - The streets of Bridgetown were buzzing early in the morning with a real sense of match-day occasion. There were reports in one newspaper of a “near riot” at the World Cup ticket office the previous day.

And, for the first time in this half-hearted tournament, a stadium was packed to the refurbished rafters, Kensington Oval bathed in sunlight, bedecked in flags and banners – many made especially for the occasion - and eagerly expectant.

This could have been a meaningless World Cup signing-off by two teams that had failed to live up to expectations, already eliminated from semi-final contention with just $50,000 prize money to play for.

Pic by Getty Images, Lara takes the field to a standing ovation

Instead it was an opportunity for the world of cricket, and West Indies fans in particular, to say farewell to one of the finest batsmen of all time.

Brian Charles Lara may have announced his decision to retire from all international cricket in low-key fashion but the low-key stuff stopped right there.

The antipathy with which many I spoke to greeted Lara’s announcement – probably brought on by feelings over his captaincy during such a disappointing World Cup showing – seemed to have evaporated by the time he emerged for the toss.

It looked like a plan to have Lara open the innings was shelved when Michael Vaughan put the home side in, and Chris Gayle threatened the crash the party with a roustabout 79.

Gayle deserved a ton but not at the expense of the Prince of Port of Spain, whose arrival at the top of the pavilion steps was greeted by chanting from the assembled 28,000, who were all on their feet by the time he took the field.

Welcomed to the crease by England’s fielders in a guard of honour, Lara quickly found his feet, bounding across his crease to push Andrew Flintoff on the leg side and get off the mark.

He sliced Flintoff past third man for his first boundary, flicked James Anderson fine for another then had a little luck when he edged Flintoff just past Andrew Strauss at fly slip.

Everyone was settled in for the long haul, then suddenly it was over.

Marlon Samuels pushed firmly to mid-on, called for a single, saw Kevin Pietersen field quickly and changed his mind, with Lara stranded mid-pitch.

Sometimes sport lacks a basic understanding of the script as when, 59 years ago, the great Sir Donald Bradman was dismissed for nought in his final Test, needing just four for a career batting average of 100.

As Lara exited the arena to another standing ovation, holding his arms aloft and saluting the crowd, there were already rumours of a breaking of diplomatic relations between Samuels’ Jamaica and Lara’s Trinidad.

This may still not be the last we see of BCL on the pitch. His emphasis of the word “international” in his retirement led some to think he may have another project in mind.

Perhaps that could be the planned for July or the– which grabbed headlines across the Caribbean in its first incarnation last July.

But first, he will have a party at a massive plantation house near the Kensington Oval on the night of the World Cup final, to which he , “everyone is invited”. Everyone, that is, who can afford the $125 admission fee.

With the score mounting in the West Indies innings, the party continued but the place felt a little flat after Lara’s departure. West Indies fans should get used to the feeling.

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Lara was a great cricket player

  • 2.
  • At 06:23 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Anonymous wrote:

Absolute legend

  • 3.
  • At 06:31 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • John Kozlich wrote:

To a gentleman player "Lara", you follow him, he will lead you to were you belong. Thanxxxxxx for the memories.

  • 4.
  • At 06:34 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Salcido wrote:

Yes it wasn't quite the hollywood ending of an unbeaten fifty or hundred, but regardless he is bowing out infront of a home crowd, a huge reception and he leaves a truly wonderful legacy. I'm an england fan, but I'd rather the windies won today (and after 300 well they might) and that the great man had the opportunity to bow out on a high note.. but despite this he is, and will always be remembered for his fantastic innings, record-breaking performances, and his truly unique style. He will still be spoken of as a legend in ten, twenty, thirty years' time, and he will remember that he left with dignity and the fans will be glad of their chance to thank him for all he has done.

  • 5.
  • At 06:37 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Joshua Sath wrote:

I thought he would get run out, sad to see him go that way but i loved his career and most cricket fans have. He is one of the greatest ever, and will be remembered as an amazing player, who, to this day holds many outstanding records. Goodbye Lara.

  • 6.
  • At 06:44 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • VSG Harihar wrote:

When Lara came there were cheers
When Lara went there were tears

I don't know really what say, but just to stand and salute my hero.

'When Lara came there were cheers
When Lara went there were tears
He has always been our dear
Opponents greatest fear'

  • 7.
  • At 06:54 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Abhishek Verma wrote:

Lara u beauty. he is an absolute legend ,100 times better than any other batsmen is the world .he has taken cricket to a new level.he is much better than sachin as well. we will miss him a lot. its a big loss to the cricket fraternity. many of his innings are in top hundred. but its very sad that his career ended in a bad fashion .Lara i love u

  • 8.
  • At 07:04 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Ed wrote:

What an absolute legend. That is simply the only way to describe him. He has inspired many and will always be remembered.

Thanks for the memories Brian,

  • 9.
  • At 07:30 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Ravi Jodhan wrote:

Brian was simply the best i have ever seen played the game ..Its really sad that today will be last we will see him bat..I really cant imagine a West Indies team without the greatman.He was a natural Entertainer .On his day he is totally unstoppable.

I thank him for all the entertainment he has givin us over his entire career and wish him all the best for the Future ..

We will miss u Brian

A real shame to see such a great exit by a runout. A great player who will be missed by all i'm sure.

I ever founded Lara as a greatest player in cricketing history.So, one should do nothing but to admire his legacy.Well done great player, we have no other option but to miss you always.

  • 12.
  • At 09:35 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Saurabh Banerjee wrote:

If Cricket Is A religion ,you are The God!!

  • 13.
  • At 09:39 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Seany wrote:

Lara is a legend i was looking forward to seeing him against england next month as he really show a master class on building a solid innings. but he is 'getting on and is probably the sensible thing to do.

same goes for magrath shane warne and justin langer

... dissapointed harmison

I:(

  • 14.
  • At 09:49 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • kiki fernando wrote:

The irish may have played their last game for this world cup but it was like a breath of fresh air to see one of the most friendliest loveliest of people join a strange but doubtlessly one of the best games of all..long live the irish

brilliant match, ifi umpire off glove and indecipline bowling in the last few over's, cost windies the match. thanks for the mutimedea coverage.happy retirement brian lara! god bless!!! [jdb@21/04/2007] rally! amen! an awimen!

  • 16.
  • At 11:20 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • kiki fernando wrote:

Say what you will about entire sides in this world cup being lacklustre yet, despite the 'plausible' Lara final speech, it makes your eyes water cos wherever you are- a sri lankan in brussels like me- we all met Lara bowling in the front verandahs of our homes, in the front garden and on the first black and white telly we owned... so thats it.. the glory of cricket lives on in moments and in indiciduals and memories of our rather simple and inspired childhoods ...end of an era...

  • 17.
  • At 11:29 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Anonymous wrote:

The high bat lift, the dancing down the track, the crashing of the blade never to be seen again.

  • 18.
  • At 11:32 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Emran wrote:

One of the greats of the game on and off the field.It will be sad to see him and he was a entertainer

  • 19.
  • At 11:34 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Basil Chambers wrote:

My dear brother Brian I have been your NUMBER ONE FAN - it was a joy watching u bat - your talent was gievn to you from God - your are blessed and highly favoured - good luck my brother - and good bye

  • 20.
  • At 11:42 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • EDSEL RAVENEAU wrote:

lara to me is and will always be the greatest cricketer in the game of cricket no matter what role he plays on the field.i will definately miss all the entertainment he displayed not only to me but to us west indians on the whole...long lives the prince of cricket SIR BRIAN CHARLES LARA... i will miss and u will always be in my memory as time roles by...i wish u luck in all your future endeavours and may GOD BLESS YOU!!...so long from my hero..

EDSEL HARVEY RAVENEAU AKA MMOE

  • 21.
  • At 11:52 PM on 21 Apr 2007,
  • Adrian Jonklaas wrote:

Rest now
Brian Charles Lara.
After all,
you hit
The red orb
into the sky.
And as the disk sinks
Over the boundary,
Lay down the willow
that served so well.

-Adrian Jonklaas

  • 22.
  • At 12:04 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • downunder wrote:

Lara, McGrath and Warnie all gone in one year, all up there with the greats of the game, thanks for the memories....

  • 23.
  • At 12:07 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Alym Kassam wrote:

A true-legend has retired in the form of Brian C Lara ... A much loved person who i am sure is appreciated by everyone around the world for what he has contributed to cricket. Thanks for all the memories - loved it all!

  • 24.
  • At 12:09 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Howard Wright wrote:

I sat up to watch the CRICKET not to listen to pop music until 4 minutes past midnight.

  • 25.
  • At 12:13 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Chris Hutton wrote:

There's no doubt that Lara was a great batsman, but sadly, as his last match proved, his captaincy was mediocre at best.

I have to agree at least to some extent with "Breado"'s earlier comment - Lara has never seemed to be an inspirational team leader, and too often he played for himself not for the team as a whole.

Nonetheless, he will be missed on the world scene as one of the real outstanding individuals of the sport, and his huge innings of 400* and 501 raised the bar for every batsman.

  • 26.
  • At 12:18 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • MOHAMMED wrote:

lara we r gna moiss u

  • 27.
  • At 12:19 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Drew Murty wrote:

Respect, nothing but respect for the man.

Lets hope KP can go on and emulate him.

  • 28.
  • At 12:32 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • ramesh seebarran wrote:

Dear Martin,

As you did in Guyana, you missed it again. The attendance in Barbados for today's game was just over 22k

  • 29.
  • At 12:41 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Arham Karim wrote:

Amazing cricketer
Amazing man.....


Thanks for the memories BCL

  • 30.
  • At 12:44 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • FK wrote:

lara was a great batsman, one of the greatest, i would say only tendulkar was better over the last 15 years.

  • 31.
  • At 12:48 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • glen wrote:

GENIUS, FAREWELL. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER.

  • 32.
  • At 01:26 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Andrew Burrell wrote:

the best batsmen of his era definitely in ym top 5 list of all time

  • 33.
  • At 01:34 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Mike Johnson wrote:

Legend if touted about far too often, but this man is truly deserving of the status. A real cricketing master.

  • 34.
  • At 02:08 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Sheik Housein wrote:

It is very sad to see Brian Lara bow out of cricket in this fashion. I wish the West Indies will give him a momentous farewell, and not leave us with the memory of Samuels’ historical goodbye to Lara, by running him out. This wonderful cricketer, Lara defiled the historic statement that “you are as good as your last game”.

If greatness in cricket is measured by the total amount of runs scored, the number of years played and the dominance over your opponents to change the results of games, who will argue that Lara is a genius? This man has single handedly whipped the opposition so many times and in the process he has captivated audiences all over the world. Breaking Sobers record then following with 501 in England and in THE defining moment in cricket history he reclaims the HIGHEST test record, after Hayden briefly took it away from him. Who can dare to compare?

Sadly, the West Indies cricket board has failed Brian Lara. They took away the power of his captaincy and selected to run it in their own failing style. Cricket in the West Indies cannot survive this way. Low morale and poor incentives have been the norm and this has forced individual players to build their own style and ego within the team, including Lara.

His ego and sharp tongue took over and forever changed his game and his
relationship with the Board and some spectators. It would have been nice to see Lara end his game in Test cricket against England, the inventors and historians of this glorious game.

It is the hope of all West Indians the Board will reform their self destructive attitudes, fire a few bad eggs and give the new captain room to function and put confidence in a good balanced team. They must make changes on this “politically incited” roster that was selected for the World Cup.

Ramnaresh Sarwan will be a good choice to take over the leadership roll. It is my fervent wish that as he delicately defines his moment in cricket’s history, he will take as his guiding principles the leadership styles, humility, and dominant legacies left by Worrell, Sobers, Kanhai, Lloyd, Richards, and of course Brian Lara.

Heartfelt thanks for the fond memories Brian Lara has given us over the years and I hope he will continue to lend a helping hand to the improvement of West Indian cricket. I wish him the very best in life. A true star and a wonderful human being whose achievements are forever etched in history.

Sheik Housein.
WASHINGTON DC, USA

  • 35.
  • At 02:33 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Will wrote:

It's an over used cliche, but this really is an end of an era!
Although cricket is game of statistics, and numbers, the truely greatest players don't necessarily have to have the best figures on paper; but it's what they bring to the game, the excitement they bring to everyone watching, no matter what country you're from. Lara could do things with the bat that nobody on the planet could, which truely makes him a genious, and one of the greatest ever.
The game of cricket will sorely miss Brian Charles Lara

  • 36.
  • At 02:42 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Aruna wrote:

He is the best batsman of his era , not many would argue with that . most of the time he made his team in the winning course .
some batsman got many hundreds than him putting his team in loosing course
he is a true entertainer and delightfull batsman to watch

  • 37.
  • At 02:49 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Buzzy wrote:

I was in the North Stand to witness Lara's final play. I was a bit worried when I say Gayle licking those shots and was wondering if not when Lara would come on. I am not his biggest fan, but he has served us well over these years, and I take nothing away from him. Well done Lara.
YOU ARE ONE OF OUR GREATEST CRICKETERS!!
We may never find another like you.
I overheard many at the Oval saying that there will never be another like him in WI cricket, and that they can't see the guys stepping up.
The guys frustrate me, and I berate them a lot, but today I was really hoping for a win for us & Lara, but England didn't follow the script.
Well done England & Well done WI. A bit late, but you guys showed more passion and commitment.
Rally round the West Indies. Now & forever more!!!!!!!
P.S - The atmosphere was electrifying. Not a dull moment. Kensington is beautiful. 100% Bajan!!

  • 38.
  • At 03:10 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • dilly wrote:

Lara is an example of that effortless West Indian style of batting that marked my youth growing up in the early 80's. I'd skip school at a SE London public school to watch Viv bat -- Sweet hand-eye coordination coupled with flair. He also had the mental attributes to stick it out. He was a cricketer left stranded at a time when West Indian cricket has suffered from the poor management, lack of financial backing, and the threat of football -- like his run out -- so it was a fitting ending

  • 39.
  • At 03:16 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • suzette wrote:

Why are West Indians sulking over the retirement of Brian Lara should they not be celebrating? With Lara gone, all their cricketing problems will be solved, they will white wash the English in the upcoming tour and once again become the great cricketing nation in the blink of an eye. Michael Holding, Colin Croft, Tony Cozier, Clive Lloyd and all those other idiots will no longer have sleepless nights over the state of West Indian cricket.

  • 40.
  • At 03:32 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Saumil wrote:

Lara was simply the best of his era. I wish him good luck in his retirement.

  • 41.
  • At 04:21 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Richard wrote:

The man was a legend, In this case, there are no ifs and buts. Find me a better ambassador for the game, and I'll call you a liar. R.I.P. career of one Brian Charles Lara. The game won't be the same without you.

  • 42.
  • At 04:37 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Sein McMullen wrote:

I'd say Gordon Greenidge was a niff better than Lara

  • 43.
  • At 05:03 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Cobbles wrote:

I am an england fan thru and thry, but England should have lost it for Brian Lara, not won it for duncan fletcher. i am very sad to see lara go, he was probably one of the greatest players to watch! a true legend of the game.

  • 44.
  • At 05:05 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Taj Muhammad wrote:

hi,i like to say few words about great ever Brian Lara,he is great batsman,we today feeling that not only end of the carrer of Lara but end of the cricket in the world special westindies with Brian Charles Lara ,he should play test matches,
God keep him safe healthy,and happy always,.from,,Taj Muhammad pakistan

  • 45.
  • At 06:21 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Adit wrote:

Brian Charles Lara....A batting legend

Lara was a gifted batsman to the World of Cricket. A perfect batting master any team can dream of. This stylish left hand batsman has won many matches for West Indies single handedly. How can we forget his heroics of that great Test Series against Australia in 1999? Cricket world scripts his name 'Brian Lara' in the class of Sir Don Bradman, Sir Gary Sobers, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Richard Hadlee, Sachin Tendulkar. Salute to the greatest batsman.

We can enjoy his batting in Test Cricket for few more years. Still we can expect another 375-run or 400-run show from him. :-)

Cheer Up Lara.

Cheers,
Adit

  • 46.
  • At 06:35 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Arshad ali wrote:

I really cant controle my tears when i see the back of Brian Lara....he will be always remembered as a great Batsman of the cricket history........He is unlucky in the sense that West Indies cricket for last 10 years has lose thier power in cricketing world......but his own performance.........No Comparison...
I think he can do alot for the betterment of current cricket situation in West Indies........And a man of his character will defintaly take this as a challange to give WestIndies thier crown of Leading the world of cricket again.........
We will Miss You Brian Lara......

  • 47.
  • At 06:50 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Mohamed (Breado) wrote:

Dear Marty,

What wrong have I done? I posted some comments earlier and I saw it posted under the comments at around # 8 or 9. Now, it's gone.

Did I offend anyone? Did I offend you because I began by saying that I disagreed with you on this? I thought that we were friends...

Please let me know why it was removed.

Thanks,
Breado - a loyal reader

  • 48.
  • At 08:30 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Irene wrote:

Lara u made cricket so interesting..one of the best i ever seen in my life..good luck for your future

  • 49.
  • At 09:12 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • stephen wrote:

Hurrah Hurrah to the greatest batsman ever in the history of cricket, Lara will be remebered forever...uncomparable talent!

  • 50.
  • At 10:25 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • muthu wrote:

lara's question
''did i entertain u?''

u have been the greatest entertainer to have played the game! ledgend!

  • 51.
  • At 10:28 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Lamya Islam wrote:

Reading all these comments one can't help but notice the love,admiration & respect that Lara has had from all over the world.
Its a testament to his greatness.

I am a no 1 Lara fan & I really can't believe that I won't watch Lara again.Its a ghastly feeling.
I am a Bangladeshi & Lara's final game ended at 4:30 am in the morning.I stayed awake the whole night & had tears in my eyes as I saw Lara saying goodbye.
It was very cruel that WI couldn't win & Lara had to be run-out.It still was a great game & as Lara said had the right spirits.

I hope WI cricket board gives him a deservable farewell at the end of the wc.

Thank you,Brian Lara for all the unbelievable memories that would last a life time.
You wanted to be remembered as an entertainer & so be it.You didn't need to ask the question,you will forever live on our memories as the most entertaining batsman ever.
You also talked about your bouncing back against adversity,that has taught me important lessons in life,Never give up,always face the challenge!
Its been an incredible journey with you,I remember jumping up & down with joy hearing about your 213 against Aus(didn't have acess to watch it).
I had tears in my eyes when I read about your 153*.You have made my day on innumerable occasions & your majestic innings have made me forget my pains.
How can we forget your match winning 111 in WC or your glittering 116 again in the WC vs SA,your last double century in AUs,quick fire century in Pak & the superb double ton against SA last yr.
I remember waking up at 5:00 in the moring to see you go past Alan Border & don't know how many times I've watched 400*.
We love you for your sportsmanship.You walked when you were on 99 ,had the faintest of edges & only the bowler Srinath made a weak appeal.The umpirwe would never have given you out but you walked.
Thats what you are.
The best batsman I have seen a great cricketer & a wonderful sportsman who played in the right spirit.
Cricket will miss you terribly ,I don't feel like watching cricket anymore.
Love you & have a wonderful.peaceful life ahead.
May Allah bless you

  • 52.
  • At 11:38 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Jon wrote:

A fine player, one of my favourites.

It's perhaps only in hindsight that we'll realise we've been spoilt for talent over the past decade or so. Lara, Tendulker, McGrath, Warne and Murali can all claim greatness, and they've been backed up by Pontings, Pollocks, Kumble's, and Gilchrists who would all have made any side at any time. I can't help but wonder if we'll ever have the same number of gifted players playing the game at the same time.

  • 53.
  • At 11:41 AM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • tom wrote:

one of the greatest players to walk the planet

  • 54.
  • At 12:28 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • NIGE WEIR wrote:

Very frustrating that such a great player that he was, Laras windies team have been embarrassingly poor through out the whole of his career. Would have been much better if he played like he did AND the windies played like they did 20 years ago. Good batsman, very bad captain and clearly not able to motivate the players around him.Windies have been rubbish for years.

  • 55.
  • At 12:40 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Bilal wrote:

Lara - Much better than Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin has always played for himself. Thats why he got so many 100s. Lara played always for his country.

  • 56.
  • At 01:23 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • gajananphate wrote:

in this todays world cricket brianlaraone of the best maintaily stron gplayer against opposite sitution handel oen handed he is grea tpersoanlity great cricketer and always i nkeep memory i npeople no one player i saw i nworld cricket continue oneman army in world cricket an yteam 17 years he only oen fight opppostionalways no one support him his team mea tproepr an ytime otehr wise another histry of carbien cricket healways unble to find righ tperson like him his team but his hard luck no one liek his mile stone ability and criket understandim gseellute this man for contribution of cricket history wh tman amazing wh ta technique in world cricket he provide himself thankjs brian i realy regreat abouty yr not find right place i nworld criket becse noone udnerstend yr abilit yproper way thanksagai n wish yall teh best yr future and ihope out of ground y agai nd osoem thin gspecail for caribian cricket and we loo kfarwed yr new job for caribeian young brigade yr make yrself inyr style we have need saw agai nmore brian in caribeen team soon witth yr proper guidence thanks

  • 57.
  • At 01:47 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • stev666 wrote:

A great man and a great player, not many have served their team with such dedication and as much passion as this man. The loss of such an important character will be keenly felt for many more years to come.

  • 58.
  • At 02:20 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Same_AJ wrote:

There will be no player like you in the game of cricket.

I miss you in the cricket ground but your memories will always remain with me.

Thank you Brian.

  • 59.
  • At 02:27 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • shahroz wrote:

my cricket was BRIAN CHARLES LARA!
I am feeling the emptyness within myself on this sad occasion.God Bless The Greatest Batsman Of All Time.

  • 60.
  • At 02:48 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Matthew Vas wrote:

He was in my opinion the greatest batsman of all time, no one protected the tail in an innings the way he did.

Do you think KP had a second thought when he was throwing that ball?

Warne and Lara retiring this year, cricket will be much the poorer.

  • 61.
  • At 02:49 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • me wrote:

all is can say is, that backlift, and the angles it generated! his ability to find gaps showed his unparalleled control. in an age when the aussies have shown that boring professionalism tinged with a hint of nastiness is the best way to win games, lara showed another way of playing cricket...and it was sublime. it doesn't matter if ponting's numbers look better at the end of his career; he will never match lara as a batsman. for the same reason that steve waugh wasn't a touch on his brother as a batsman, despite his better record.

a true great.

from a disappointed fan and embarrassed aussie

The greatest batsman that the world has ever seen, a product produced by the caribbean who has pencilled his name in cricket history. We the fans adore him and will idolise him for his mastery and perfection. Best wishes in all his future endeavours. Karl Maye, Jamaica.

Lara is leaving the pitch dissapointed despite his long struggling foam and age.We will mis his briant sixes and the wold record he set of 400 runs.My advice is please be the living legend to promote the game to higher levels.Good luck Lara and bravo.....

  • 64.
  • At 03:22 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Dr Manher C Desai wrote:

I can say Lara will be remembered by all cricket fans in India as well as most part of the world where this game is enjoyed in all respect.. It was a bit sad and unfortunate for him to get out by RUN OUT during a his last world cup match with England. It is a game and batsman can be out by any way.
I saw last great Lara at Baroda One Day International Match which was his last tour to India as a captain of WI team and unfortunately our great Hero was out also as RUN OUT in a very unfortunate way. Tears come down to my eyes whenever i see any class criketor gets out in this fashion.
LARA LARA TU RAHEGA HAMESHA PYRA.
Manher Desai

I have recently written a Cricket Book with Chess Concepts (Dot Chess- The Cricket in Between; at amazon.com), and have analyzed the approaches of Lara and Tendulkar using concepts from chess, cue-sports and geometry (most of us fans, or even most cricketers are in no position to comment on who is better, rather we can learn and appreciate from both).

I will track updates of the 'chess' in the last stage of the World Cup on my website www.saumilzx.com/sports

Farewell, Brian Lara!
Regards
Saumil
Writer and sports fan from Mumbai, India

  • 66.
  • At 04:25 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • montystjohn wrote:

As an avid cricket fan and erstwild cricket historian it would be remiss of me not to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Brian Lara.Lara has ,bar none,been the greatest West Indian batsman of all time;and in my view ranks second on the list of all time greats only to the incomparable late great Sir Donald Bradman.
We all will miss you Brian for the joy you have given to so many on all continents over so many years.Like all great sportsmen you had that ability to bring that special dynamic to your sport which cannot be defined;but is easily recognisable when seen.The ultimate acolade one can receive is tribute and respect from one's peers;and you are held in awe by each and every one of them.You have been without doubt,Primus Inter Pares.Cricket will be the poorer by your retirement and we are unlikely to ever see your like again;You have truly bestrode the cricket field like a collosus and have left all others in your wake.
Thanks Brian for the incomparable memories.
I will leave it to others and history to reflect on and evaluate your captaincy.This occassion is to Celebrate and record in history your peerless batting majesty.
Chew.

  • 67.
  • At 04:37 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Patrick McKerrow wrote:

Brian Lara was simply one the greatest - a polite and dignified man with remarkable talents. The statistics speak for themselves. He found himself leading a team not equipped with the talents that characterised West Indies cricket during the 70s, 80s and early 90s. The reason for the poor company may well be due to the sectors - the people who manage West Indies cricket. Despite all Lara has to be remembered for what he was - a talented and great Cricketer of international standing.

God bless you Lara and thanks for entertaining us and giving us pride in our race.


  • 68.
  • At 05:12 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Nathan wrote:

He was a Hero

i think it is a bit unfair to brian lara fo the negative coment he has been receiving .west indies cricket has been in decline because of poor admistration resulting in their poor performance

  • 70.
  • At 07:51 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Mike wrote:

Lara is the most entertaing player I have ever seen play and probably is the most entertainig of all time. His unpredictability just kept you coming back for more.

Farewell to a legend.

  • 71.
  • At 11:00 PM on 22 Apr 2007,
  • Mohamed (Breado) wrote:

It's too bad that the moderator removed my comments regarding my disagreeing with Marty that Lara's party is over too soon.

I am not going to question Lara's greatness as a batsman. You all have said enough about that already and I am sure that some more of you will add to that.

My point was and is, that it is time for Lara to go. In fact he should have gone a year or 2 ago. Lara for all his greatness as a batsman was not even close to being a good leader or even average. He was as I said before "singularly great". Yes, he played some great innings, but he failed to inspire those around him to raise their game to another level. Michael Jordan did that with the Bulls, Warne, Murali, Sobers, Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, etc. did it. Lara did not.

Look, I am not arguing Lara's greatness as a batsman. I am simply saying that as a West Indian Cricket fan who wants to see the West Indies get better, this is the best thing that could happen to the West Indies.

I see that Colin Croft shares the same opinion as yours truly. Some of you jump on Croft because he is critical of Lara's leadership, but Croft is yet to be proven wrong. He never questioned Lara's greatness as a batsman, however his selfishness as a player is another matter.

I remember that Sarwan was 261 n.o. against Bangladesh when Lara declared. It's not often that one gets a chance to score a triple century. The series was already won and West Indies had a whole day and then some to dismiss B/desh and win the game. Yet Lara chose to declare. I dare say that Lara would not have declared had it been him at the crease.

That's what I see and that's what Croft sees and his team mates see in Lara. That is why it is the best thing that could happen to West Indies Cricket at this time.

For the West Indies it's addition by subtraction.

Mohamed (Breado)

  • 72.
  • At 12:38 AM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • Patch wrote:

say what you will about BC Lara...there is no other Windies player who has ever got me choked up as he strode to the crease one last time....on Saturday morning, I realised that for the first time, I had watched the career of a cricketing great from start to finish. At 38 years old, its the first time it has happened. I stayed up late at night watching that magnificent 277 unfold at Sydney, and countless other innings of sheer joy and exuberance. Goodbye, Brian, you were fantastic to watch at your best....whatever else may be your shortcomings. And yes, Brian, you did entertain us.

  • 73.
  • At 12:50 AM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • Sparky wrote:

Lara - one of the greats!!

Windies lost by one wicket today but all credit to them for getting to the 300 mark. England just got there, and as an english fan - i have to say that i was really proud of ENGLAND for reaching the total but wouldn't have minded the windies winning.

Goodbye Lara - we still love you

everybody has to leaveone day and the time has come for Lara. He himself knowsbetter whether to continue r quit and he decided to quit. he is one of the legend in cricket and hope to see him involve in cricket in different role.

  • 75.
  • At 08:00 AM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • sam wrote:

thanks brian for all that you have done for the game - all good things must come to an end.
good game though - plenty of runs, nail biting finish and loads of atmosphere - icc take note !!!

  • 76.
  • At 09:08 AM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • Aro Arun wrote:

Brian lara is the greatest
I never watch Bradman Gary Sobers or Viv Richards in full flow live action but I did watch
Lara's magnificient innnings againt Murali
it was a statement of intent that he was the best

we have run scoring machines in Ponting and Hayden but classic beauty of marvellous batting art was represented by Lara
every one now say that there are Brian's no 1,2... 10 fans,but from the early stages during his ups and DOWNS I was right behind him
as far as I'm concerned my Cricket is finished with Lara's departure,he was such an impact on my life
I missed classes ,I failed exams,I lost friends,
all for one thing to watch my dear lara play

Lara you are the greatest sportsman

cheers
arun

  • 77.
  • At 09:17 AM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • Aro Arun wrote:

Brian lara is the greatest
I never watch Bradman Gary Sobers or Viv Richards in full flow live action but I did watch
Lara's magnificient innnings againt Murali
it was a statement of intent that he was the best

we have run scoring machines in Ponting and Hayden but classic beauty of marvellous batting art was represented by Lara
every one now say that there are Brian's no 1,2... 10 fans,but from the early stages during his ups and DOWNS I was right behind him
as far as I'm concerned my Cricket is finished with Lara's departure,he was such an impact on my life
I missed classes ,I failed exams,I lost friends,
all for one thing to watch my dear lara play

Lara you are the greatest sportsman

cheers
arun

  • 78.
  • At 10:59 AM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • donald muchawo wrote:

brian will always be imbedded in our memories his batting technique will always be an inspiration to many a bit unorthodox style but highly effective his unusual backlift will forever be a major talking point in cricket for us in zimbabwe we will never forget the experience and the entertainment you brought and shared with us in that unforgattable 158 at queens it is indeed a very sad day for cricket. hail king lara, hail king lara, hail king lara, hail king lara,

  • 79.
  • At 11:12 AM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • fordb5rno wrote:

Lara absolute LEGEND of the game-one of the most entertaining batsmen i've ever seen-gutted to be robbed of seeing him here in England this summer. One comment he made on the Ch4 saturday morning cricket show a couple of summers ago that i will never forget and sums up the true spirit of the the game was when asked by Mark Nicholas what he was thinking when the bowler ran in to bowl and he answered with typical west indian flair, 'Well Mark, i just think i'm going to hit every ball for 4-and it its a good un i'll block it!'.

What a hero!

  • 80.
  • At 11:27 AM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • Nabeel wrote:

Such a stylish and great player. I will miss him a lot...!

  • 81.
  • At 01:04 PM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • alia wrote:

Dear Lara we love you and wewill really miss you you are the true legend of not only West indies but the whole cricket world we will always pray for you and remember you in our memories thanks for entertaining us for 17 year and i am also honored that you played your first test match in Pakistan my homeland and started your career from here. We not only like you as a crickter but also as a nice, humble,simple,decent, calm human being. We salute for your contibution in the game of cricket

  • 82.
  • At 01:30 PM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • mani awan wrote:

hi
in last decade we see many greet batsman in cricket world like saeed anwer, tendulkar, steve waugh,Inzi but Lara was great amongst them .
the only brave batsman in last decade. and very honest man how leave the pitch with out watching empire finger.
cricket fans will remember him fro long time

  • 83.
  • At 01:45 PM on 23 Apr 2007,
  • shingai wrote:

brian he will always be a cricket legend.it was not the fairy tale exit i had hoped for but for me he will always be a legend.

  • 84.
  • At 07:05 PM on 24 Apr 2007,
  • phil wrote:

as a west indian supporter it is very sad to see bria lara go. he is one of the greatest batsmen of all time and has helped to prop up a dismal west indies team over the last 13 years or so
His record breaking innings were memorable as well as numerous other fantastic innings.
Unfortunately i also witnessed the not so great side of brian lara at the CWC2007 in guyana. He was extremely arrogant and even refused to pose for the volunteers when almost all of the other teams did so willingly.
I also feel he caused a lot of tension in the team and was a poor captain. Hopefully the west indies team can move on and we can dream that they will produce a team as great as the one in the 80s

  • 85.
  • At 06:08 PM on 27 Apr 2007,
  • Lamya Islam wrote:

Mohamed (Breado),
you have mentioned that Warne,Murali,Viv,Clive Lloyd,Sobers inspired those around them to raise their game while Lara didn't.
First,don't you think that watching Lara bat was inspiration enough,why didn't the other players feel that if Lara can do it then why can't we atleast try to give him company.
I as a spectator felt inspired but if the players didn't I am sorry but I don't see how it can be Lara's fault.He is a batsman & he let his batting do the talking,with his batting he inspired everyone but if the other players lack commitment then how can it be Lara's fault.

And secondly,I don't think Warne,Murali,Viv,Lloyd or Sobers needed to inspire their teams,they all play/ed in such good teams that none of them has/had to play the role of inspirator.
If you swap Ponting with Lara,what do you see?
I see Lara playing in a wc winning team & Ponting playing in a losing team,I see Lara's innings being called match-winning innings because he had bowlers to bowl the opposing team out,fielders to support him & batsman to bat with him.Whereas Ponting's innings all in losing cause.

Lara was not captain all through his career,Chanderpaul,Hooper,Jimmy,Walsh were some other captains.Did the team perform any better under them?
As a matter of fact the only trophy WI won in the last 17 years was the Champions Trophy & that was under Lara.

You say that Lara should have given Sarwan the time to get his triple ton,if Lara had given him time wouldn't it be putting players achievement ahead of the team.
Now you may say that with 400* Lara did just that,but you have to remember with/without Sarwan's triple ton the team would have won.Without Lara batting for a longer time the team could have lost to England & yes WI didn't have the bowlers to win against England.
So please stop criticising Lara & be thankful that you had him in such a dark time,he was the only shining light.
If Lara would have gone 2 years ago,you would have been beaten even worsely.Don't forget that under Lara WI won the ODI series against India,got to the finals in Malaysia & champions trophy.Lets now see what the team does.

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