Aussie cricketer smashes Lara's record

Matthew Hayden

Saturday, October 11, 2003

PERTH, Australia: Brian Lara's world batting record has been shattered. Aussie batsman, Matthew Hayden yesterday erased Lara's World test batting record of 375 by smashing 380 against Zimbabwe, CMC reports indicate. 

The Windies skipper later said he publicly congratulated Mr. Hayden on his record-breaking performance. "I called Matthew Hayden at the close of play at Perth and congratulated him on his record achievement," Lara told reporters in Jamaica yesterday afternoon. 

"I am and will always be grateful to be chosen to hold the World Test record for nearly ten years and to belong to the elite group of batsmen who have headed the all time scoring list. I am proud to still hold the individual first class score of 501 not out."

The left-handed Hayden surpassed the previous world best of 375 in the final over before tea when he stroked left-arm spinner Ray Price for a single to long on to reach 376.

He swung his bat above his head in celebration and raising both hands to the applause of the crowd.

The 31-year-old Hayden was given the chance to go for 400 by skipper Steve Waugh but was brilliantly caught at deep square leg by Stuart Carlisle soon after tea when he top-edged an attempted sweep against off-spinner Trevor Gripper. 

His innings included 11 sixes and 38 fours and he shared a sixth wicket stand of 233 with Adam Gilchrist, who helped himself to an unbeaten 113 off only 94 balls.

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