When Brian Lara announced himself

On 5 January 1993, West Indies batting great Brian Charles Lara showed his appetite for 'daddy centuries' as he scored the first double century of his career en route to scoring 277 versus Australia in Sydney. This, his maiden Test century in his fifth Test and ninth innings, was the turning point of the series as West Indies won the final two Tests to win the series 2–1. Wisden described Lara's 277 as an innings of "breathtaking quality" which turned a series that was slipping from West Indies. This was the first of Lara's nine Test centuries against Australia; and he ended his glittering career with 34 tons in the longest format. The knock of 277 is Lara's third-highest in Test cricket after his world record scores of 400* and 375.

2-6 Jan 1993: Brian Lara of the West Indies in action during his innings of 277 in the Third Test match against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia. The match ended in a draw.

 

Brian Lara of the West Indies celebrates during the test match between Australia and the West Indies on January 5, 1993 in Australia.

 

2-6 Jan 1993: Brian Lara of the West Indies dries himself off during his innings of 277 in the Third Test match against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia. The match ended in a draw. 

 

Jan 1993: Brian Lara of the West Indies salutes his double century during the Third Test match against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia. The match ended in a draw. 

 

Jan 1993: Brian Lara of the West Indies is run out after scoring 277 runs during the Third Test match against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia. The match ended in a draw.

 

(L-R) Richie Richardson and Brian Lara of the West Indies pose together on January 9, 1993.