Published: Jan 29, 2015, 06:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 29, 2015, 06:51 PM (IST)
On June 6th 1994, West Indies legend Brian Lara became the first batsman in the history of First-Class cricket to score 500 runs in an innings when he scored 501 not out for English county Warwickshire against Durham. Two months from this day, Lara scripted history after surpassing Sir Garfield Sobers’ 365 to become the highest run scorer in an innings in the history of Test cricket.
In achieving this feat, Lara outclassed Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammed record of 499 runs. Mohammed’s record stood for 35 years in First-Class cricket before Lara broke it. Lara reached to 501 not out by smacking bowler John Morris for a four to create history.
This photograph of Lara with the scorecard showcases his innings of 501 from the Warwickshire against Durham match at Edgbaston in 1994. The West Indian in his impeccable innings belted 62 fours and 10 sixes and reached to the score in just 427 balls.
On his way to 501 runs, Lara was blessed with sheer luck. He had been bowled off a no-ball when he was at 10 and dropped by wicketkeeper Chris Scott while batting at 16. He was dropped on 238 and again on 413 when Michael Burns, his Warwickshire teammate fielding for Durham failed to reach to the ball.
Till date, this gem of an innings stands out as a First-Class record.
