The battle was lost but war not over

THE EDITOR: April 12, 2004, would be a day forever embedded in my mind as long as there is life in my mortal body. To have witnessed Brian Lara reclaim his world-record he lost some six months ago to Australia’s Matthew Hayden, and in the same breath create history by becoming the first person in the 127-year history of the game to score 400 test runs, was simply mind boggling. The only damper on that historic day was the fact that the series had already been decided in favour of Michael Vaughn and his boys.

However, not even that could have stopped me and the thousands of cacophonous supporters from basking in the glory of his remarkable feat. The West Indies may have lost the series 3-0 to a side once hailed as the “Whipping Boys” of international cricket, but what Lara accomplished on that God given day defied greatness and took the game of cricket to an extraordinary level. I certainly hope his latest heroics would finally put to rest the heated debate, as to who is the better batsman between himself and India’s Sachin Tendulkar, which has been raging on for quite some time. Sachin is undoubtedly an excellent batsman, but when it comes to Lara’s flair and list of achievements not even the great Sir Donald Bradman is worthy of a comparison.

To all those Lara critics, especially Colin Croft, you could criticise him all you want but there isn’t a single person on the West Indies team who is more committed to West Indies cricket than he is. His record as captain may not be one any future captain would like to emulate, but the guidance and knowledge he extends to the younger players is unquestionable. On this note I would like to add my name to the long list of well wishers and congratulate Brian Lara on reaching that historic milestone of 400 test runs, and for breaking the world record for the second consecutive time. By doing so you have removed the agony of defeat from the hearts of all West Indians and filled it with a feeling of joy and admiration. If Uncle Lester were alive today he would have been high in praise of what you have accomplished. You are truly great and a genius at what you do, keep up the good work and remember, the battle may have been lost, but the war is far from over.

TERRY COX
Tacarigua