The End of an Era
Lara coming in to bat for the last time
If ever a player deserved to play in a better era,it was Lara.
Well, the above quote sums it up. Today is the end of a glorious career spanning over 17 years. When I first read about it after the Bangladesh vs. West Indies match, I was shocked. I didn't expect Brian Charles Lara to retire from test cricket. Some part of me hoped against all odds, that the press had quoted him wrong. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
Sir Vivian Richards
After having dominated the game, especially Test cricket, it would have been ideal for him to have said goodbye in the test arena. I still don't see any bowler, currently playing, who is capable of thinking Lara out. The only way he can get out is by a rash stroke, or by being "given out" by the umpire (which has happened a lot more times than one can imagine), or by mere bad luck. It is ironic, that his last innings came to an end for no fault of his. I pity Marlon Samuels, for whether he turns out to become a good player or not, he will be famous and will always be remembered as the one who got Lara out on his last innings.
With 11953 runs to his name, and only 47 runs to get become the first player to score 12000 runs in Test Cricket, and being in real good form, his decision was shocking. I would have liked to see him play just one more series, if not for the record, atleast to have quit in the form of the game he cherished. Unlike the other so called "greats", he atleast quit when in flow not caring about records.
He had a way to mesmerize the ones watching his game. People tend to forget everything around them when watching him play. Not only was his game beautiful, but he was also a true sportsman, the last of the kind in a generation where hardly anyone values the game for what what it was - A Gentleman's Game. All I can say is, So long Lara, and thanks for all the entertainment you have managed to provide . On the brighter side, I will not be having sleepless nights anymore, as the only thing that has so far managed to keep me awake at awkward times is the prospect of seeing the legend bat.
Lara acknowledging the crowd on his way back to the pavilion
Comments
nice tribute!
Quite ironic the way he had to walk out, from a game he gave his all to..
Posted by Pavan on Sunday 22nd of April 2007 06:00:28 AM
Lara Lara Brian lara
Glowing tribute to your favourite star dude..I definitely expected it from you...
Sad thing is nobody is going to watch a WI match from now on
Posted by Pavan R K on Sunday 22nd of April 2007 10:51:31 PM
Lara was past his prime
Lara was definitely the greatest batsmen of the '90s. His charisma and style both on and off the field were unmatched, and he was the beacon in a team of mediocre players. However, off late his presence seems to have crippled the WI team.. I have a sneaky feeling that the WI team might just improve now that Lara has gone. The players can now play with gay-abandon and as a team and not be overwhelmed by superstar Lara.
Posted by Ridham on Sunday 22nd of April 2007 11:57:47 PM
Number of Comments : 3
Quite ironic the way he had to walk out, from a game he gave his all to..
Posted by Pavan on Sunday 22nd of April 2007 06:00:28 AM
Lara Lara Brian lara
Glowing tribute to your favourite star dude..I definitely expected it from you...
Sad thing is nobody is going to watch a WI match from now on
Posted by Pavan R K on Sunday 22nd of April 2007 10:51:31 PM
Lara was past his prime
Lara was definitely the greatest batsmen of the '90s. His charisma and style both on and off the field were unmatched, and he was the beacon in a team of mediocre players. However, off late his presence seems to have crippled the WI team.. I have a sneaky feeling that the WI team might just improve now that Lara has gone. The players can now play with gay-abandon and as a team and not be overwhelmed by superstar Lara.
Posted by Ridham on Sunday 22nd of April 2007 11:57:47 PM
Number of Comments : 3
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