I need the highlights of this innings!
I was fortunate enough to watch his first 100 runs. I didn't have to wait too long for him to make his century. He made it in only 73 deliveries. His aim was to make runs fast, and pull Kaneria off the attack...and wow - did he do that!
Even though I'm Pakistani, I loved watching him thrash us to all parts of the ground. I love cricket a lot more than I love Pakistan anyway (Well..not a lot more!) and it was great seeing him in action. A bit sadistic, no doubt, but Brian Lara transcends national boundaries. He is one of those players who are so flamboyant, yet calculated, in their approach to the game, that you have to turn around and admire their talent. There are always critics but one rarely hears a fan of cricket say they don't like Lara. You hear of people not liking Ponting for example a hell of a lot more.
I want him to get his double century this morning and I want him to grab us my the throat and shake us around a bit! He has the ability to make this game competitive and fun single-handedly. I was completely taken aback by this onslaught and never saw it coming. Naturally the game plan was to dominate one of two of our strike bowlers, and Brian Lara executed it with such style and poise.
I feel some strange attachment to him because he has been playing ever since I have been following cricket. Now that he in the twilight of his career, he has lost a lot of his speed and flamboyance but still remains so destructive. He has taken on the responsibility of rebuilding this West Indian side, and ushering in the new hands. His comments were interesting after this day's end of play.
"Bravo, Gayle and Ganga all batted well and fell just short of making a Test hundred which was unfortunate. I like to see the younger guys get hundreds as it is more important for them. That is the only sad point of the day."
Now, those are the words of a fellow who plays for the team and sticks around long enough to guide the underlings.
Upon saying that, another thought came to my mind. We're coming close to that time, when our generation's greatest cricketers will retire. The next couple of years will see
Inzamam, Hayden, and
Jayasuria, among the few that I can think of, play their last test matches. Seems strange to imagine cricket without them. Some of my fondest memories include these few players.
Jayasuria whacking us all over the place in Singapore. Even
Inzy had to bowl in that
ODI.
Inzi beating Bangladesh with only Mushy as his final partner. Well, there are many more and I am rambling...
As I conclude this post, Lara just cover drove
Umar Gul for 3 runs and brought up his 200! Awesome! Now if only somebody would partner him on the other end and we can have a game on our hands!
