Why Brian Lara's 153 not out against Australia in 1999 is the greatest test innings ever played

#2. The Opponents

Steve Waugh

Steve Waugh, who later became the most successful test captain of all times in terms of win percentage, was leading a team which were in good form and just had a thumping 3-1 victory over England in the Ashes. They had last lost a test series in India in 1997-98 season. Since then they had won series against South Africa, Pakistan and England.

Even though Australia had an excellent attack in Jason Gillespie, Shane Warne, Stuart McGill, Steve Waugh’s trump card against Lara was Glenn McGrath who had made Lara his bunny. McGrath was the best fast bowler of his time and was at his prime during this series. He actually won the man of the series award along with Lara.

He used to bowl from close to the stumps at very nagging length and with good pace. For Lara, he used to come round the wicket with many fielders placed in slip and gully regions. More than any other bowlers, McGrath dismissed Lara 15 times in his career. So much so that, every time Lara came to the crease, Aussie skipper would toss the ball to McGrath.