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Who is the first player to score 400 runs in a test match?

Cricket has long been a game of numbers. From the very first century in a Test match to the legendary 10-wicket haul in an innings, the sport thrives on records, milestones, and moments of brilliance. However, among these, there exists a record so unique, so untouched, that it has become the Holy Grail of Test batting — scoring 400 runs in a single innings.

While many greats of the game have come close to such heights, only one player in the history of Test cricket has ever crossed the 400-run mark. That man is Brian Charles Lara, a West Indian batting maestro known for his artistic strokeplay and indomitable spirit. On April 12, 2004, at the Antigua Recreation Ground, Lara made history by scoring 400 not out against England — a record that remains unbroken as of 2025.

In a time when fast-paced T20s dominate the headlines, Lara’s 400* remains a testimony to the grind, patience, and genius that Test cricket demands.

👑 2. The Man Behind the Record – Brian Charles Lara

Early Life and Career

Brian Lara was born on May 2, 1969, in Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago. The youngest of eleven siblings, Lara’s cricketing journey began early. He joined the Harvard Coaching Clinic at age 6, an elite program in Port of Spain known for identifying prodigious talent.

Rise to International Stardom

Lara made his Test debut against Pakistan in December 1990. By 1994, he had already become a global phenomenon. That year, he made 375 against England in Antigua — setting the then-world record for the highest individual Test score. Ironically, it would be at the same ground and against the same opponent, ten years later, where he would reclaim his record by scoring 400 not out.

Playing Style and Reputation

Known for his elegant backlift, precise footwork, and dazzling strokeplay, Lara was a left-handed batsman who combined aggression with technical mastery. His ability to dominate even the fiercest of bowlers, including legends like Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Glenn McGrath, made him a true icon of the sport.

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