Croft: Every West Indian should be proud of Lara

MESSAGES OF congratulations continue to pour in for West Indies captain Brian Lara on his achievement of the first quadruple century by a batsman in Test cricket and his reclamation of the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket. This was achieved on April 12 at the Antigua Recreation Ground during the Fourth Cable and Wireless Test Match against England. Among those sending their congratulations are former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, former player and now commentator, Colin Croft and the Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) of which Lara is a member.

In his message, Lloyd said: “Congratulations on a phenomenal performance. You have always led from the front, and that is one of the foremost qualities of a leader. Your innings was a pleasure and an honour to watch. It was a display of true professionalism and a great West Indian. “I sincerely hope that this will galvanize your team into a winning unit. I hope that this was the spur that was needed. “Best of luck in the coming One-day series and your future tours ahead.”

Croft, in congratulating the West Indies captain, said: “Without any reservations whatsoever, I would like, as  every West Indian, former Test player, former club cricketer, supporter or just pure citizen, should do; I would like to heartily congratulate the present West Indies cricket team captain, Brian Lara, for his tremendously overwhelming performance of not only retaking the world’s Test cricket batting record, but for being the first and only person, so far, to have made 400 in an individual Test batting innings.

“As described by both Matthew Hayden (Australia) and Jonathan Agnew (BBC), the innings was almost impeccable, with maybe one half-chance overall and was truly awesome.  From a cricketing perspective, it was truly a remarkable innings, regardless as to which cricket pitch it was played on. “To hold a record that massive once is tremendous.  To do it twice simply justifies all of the thoughts that Lara’s batting skills are unique.  Every West Indian should be very proud of Brian Lara’s achievement.”

In a message signed by club president William Rodriguez, the QPCC said: “On behalf of the members of the QPCC, I extend congratulations on your fantastic achievement of once again breaking the world record for most runs in a Test innings. Having done it once was remarkable enough but doing it for a second time certainly places you among the greatest batsmen of all time. Over two days you provided us with a memorable spectacle of batsmanship, not only exhibiting brilliant strokeplay, but all the other virtues of a great innings. Well done Brian, more than ever we are all proud to be Parkites.”