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

#3. What happened earlier in the series

Lara was appointed as a captain for the first two matches only

After a horrendous tour of South Africa, West Indies Cricket Board had appointed Lara as a captain for the first two matches of the series only. However, it could not have been a more disastrous start to the series. Played in Port of Spain, Trinidad, even after bowling well in both the innings, West Indies suffered a humiliating defeat and were bowled out in less than 20 overs in their second innings for their then lowest ever score of 51. Lara was looking down the barrel.

In the second match of the series, however, Lara turned things around in style. After bowling well again and dismissing Australia for 256, Lara scored 213 and helped West Indies reach 431 all out. Lara was ably supported by Jimmy Adams who made 94.

West Indian bowlers bowled even better in Australia’s second innings dismissing them for 177. It meant that West Indies needed three runs to level the series which they did without losing any wicket in their second innings. Lara was declared Man of The Match for his scintillating double hundred.

Lara was then appointed as a captain for the rest of the series.