Border: Lara a ‘genuine genius’

"He is a very worthy holder of the mantle of the greatest run-scorer in history," the former Australian captain told Australian media.

Resuming the second day of the Third Test at the Adelaide Oval requiring 12 runs to overtake Border’s total of 11 174, Lara took his unbeaten 202 to 225 before being bowled by paceman Glen McGrath.

The 36-year-old batting prodigy now has 11,187 runs in 121 Tests, completing the feat in 35 fewer Tests than Border.

"I played against Brian when he made his 277 at Sydney in 1992-93 and I would rank him as one of the best three batsmen in the world," Border noted.

"I have had the pleasure of seeing him play a lot of cricket and there is no doubt he is a genuine genius - I am sure I am not the only Australian who is pleased to see him hold this record." Ian Healy, the former Australian wicketkeeper who played against Lara several times throughout his career, said the magical Trinidadian player was one he always admired.

"He is in the very top bracket," the 41-year-old Healy, who played 119 Tests, said.

"There is a lot to admire about what he has done on this tour. The amount of fight he has put in off the field as well."

"I was pleased to hear him say that while he is an asset to West Indies cricket he should keep playing."

Brian Lara Factbox

ADELAIDE: Factbox on West Indies batsman Brian Lara after he passed Allan Border as the highest run-scorer in Test cricket history with 226 against Australia.

1969 — Born Santa Cruz, Trinidad, May 2; youngest of seven brothers.

1990 — Test debut, Third Test v Pakistan, Lahore, makes 44 and 6.

1993 — First Test century, 277 v Australia, Sydney

1994 — Broke Gary Sobers’ long-standings world record high score of 365 with 375 vs England, St John’s, Antigua

1994 — Sets First-Class world record of 501 not out Warwickshire vs Durham at Edgbaston

1998 — Named as West Indies captain against England in the Caribbean, leading his side to 3-1 Test series victory

1998 — Sacked as West Indies captain when players’ revolt over pay delays start to tour of South Africa but reinstated after four days of talks.

1999 — Scores 213 in Kingston — his first century for a year — to lead West Indies to victory over Australia in second test. Hits 153 as West Indies score world record 311-9 in fourth innings to win third test. Series ends 2-2.

2000 — Resigns as West Indies captain on February 24. Takes break from cricket for four months.

2003 — Reappointed West Indies test captain. Australian opener Matthew Hayden breaks Lara’s world record with 380 against Zimbabwe.

2004 — Lara regains record with 400 not out against England at St John’s. Steps down as captain later that year.

2005 — Overtakes Steve Waugh as second run-scorer in history during Second Test against Australia. Scores 226 in Third Test against Australia to pass Allan Border’s world record of 11,174 runs.

Career statistics (includes first innings of 226 vs Australia, * not out):