Lara set for final Aussie game

The 36-year-old became the leading run-scorer in Tests in his side’s third Test defeat in Adelaide against Australia. His first innings 226 took him past Australian batting great Allan Border as the leading run scorer in Test cricket.

Lara has been named in the team for the one-dayer against a side captained by Australian opener Justin Langer. The West Indies are not scheduled to tour Australia again until December 2008, when the prolific batsman will be 39.

The West Indies are not involved in the VB Series next year as they played in last January’s one-day tournament. Lara’s appearance in Adelaide was the 18th Test he had played in Australia, during which he scored 1,428 runs at an average of 43.27. His highest score on Australian soil was a brilliant 277 — his first Test century — which was only ended by the run out route as Lara batted with now retired Carl Hooper.

Lara’s overall record against the world champions — 2,856 at 51 — is bettered by his achievements against England, the other team he has faced in a significant proportion of his 121 Tests.

Helped by his world record unbeaten 400 in Antigua, Lara has amassed 2,983 runs against them at 62.14. Apart from the leading Test run scoring record, Lara also holds the record for highest Test innings score 400 not out and highest first class score 501.