The former West Indies captain, Brian Lara, has made a shocking revelation on how breaking the world record twice in his career took a lot out of him and gave him several stress periods. During his recent interaction on ‘The Overlap cricket,’ the southpaw spoke on the night when Matthew Hayden broke his record of 375

‘I wasn’t annoyed. I was asleep in Jamaica. And my agent called me, and he was in London. He said you need to have a number for you to call. I said why because I think he did a lot on that day. So, he might have gone to sleep at 1:00 something, and then he scored a couple of hundreds on that day.’ Lara talked on the show.

See Also: WATCH: Relive when fans argued with Virat Kohli for not clicking photos

Hayden smashed 380 runs at the WACA against Zimbabwe in 2003, which came nine years after Lara built the record of the highest individual Test score of 375 against England at St John's. Before that, the previous highest score by an individual batter was unbeaten 365 runs by Garry Sobers in 1958 against Pakistan at the Sabina Park.

Watch: Brian Lara reveals how breaking records put stress on him

Lara looked back at the night when he called Hayden and congratulated him on the record. ‘So, he had a number to call the Perth dressing room. But I said Why? He said that someone broke your record. I called the dressing room, and it was very noisy. I went to Matthew and congratulated him. But funny enough, I felt that for those 10 years, I had a lot of stress because of those two records.’

"The records caused me stress" 😰

Brian Lara on the pressure of being cricket’s record-breaker 📚 pic.twitter.com/CbLnqT596S

— Stick to Cricket (@StickToCricket) July 15, 2025

‘And one of my main things was actually to be a good captain and not to have strangled myself with the double world record. I wasn’t perturbed and didn’t worry much about it, but here came England 10 years later.’ The 56-year-old added during the same session.

However, Hayden’s 380 didn’t last long. Just six months later in 2004, at the same ground, St John’s Park, Lara became the first and the only batter as of now to celebrate 400 runs individually. That 400* is still the highest score by a batter in the longest format, coincidentally, along with the ground, it also came against England. The only difference was the opposition captains.

Run chases are always exciting and nerve-wracking in the fourth innings at Lord’s. And this upcoming result between England and India on the fifth day will be the same. Both teams put up the same score on the board in their respective fourth innings as the dry batting surface didn’t provide any chance to the bowlers to make any inroads.

But as the heat started to take place in London, the surface began to change its colour. A few dry rough patches started to come around the batters’ to which the bowlers were getting uneven bounce. A few balls, on the fourth day of the ongoing Lord’s Test, were jumping at the shoulder height while a few deliveries were crashing on the knees.

India will face several issues in their 193-run chase as they found themselves 58/4 at the end of the third day’s play. The entire responsibility is on the overnight batter, KL Rahul, who could keep calm in the middle while Rishabh Pant can show his aggressive batting from the other end.

Let’s take a look at the top five highest successful chases at Lord’s in Test history.

5. 218/3 by England vs New Zealand in 1965

It came 60 years ago when the home side chased down a huge score of 218 runs with seven wickets in hand. Batting first, the Blackcaps put 175 in the first innings with Bruce Taylor and Vic Pollard celebrating their respective half-centuries.

The home side took a 150+ run lead thanks to the 119-run knock from Colin Cowdrey. Three Kiwi batters got fifties, but none of them could stretch it to the three-figure mark. Later, Ted Dexter and Geoff Boycott got them over the line with seven wickets in hand.

4. 279/5 by England vs New Zealand in 2022

It was the very first red-ball encounter for England under Ben Stokes’ captaincy and Brendon McCullum’s coaching. Both teams failed to put 150 runs on the board, with the hosts taking a lead of nine runs. But the Blackcaps made a fine comeback with 285 runs on the board, thanks to Daryl Mitchell scoring 108 runs while Tom Blundell scored 96 runs on the board.

See Also: [WATCH] ‘600 runs enough’- Ben Duckett teases Shubman Gill during ENG vs IND 2025 third Test at Lord's

That was, however, the only stand of the Kiwis’ second innings. But that England side was a different beast as they chased down the score with five wickets in hand, celebrating an unbeaten 115 runs from Joe Root.

3. 282/5 by South Africa vs Australia in 2025

This chase took place just six weeks ago at Lord’s when South Africa lifted the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 against Australia in the final. The only difference from the other games on the list of this chase was that it happened quite early in the game. On a tough surface, the Proteas gave away a lead of over 80 runs to the Aussies. But Kagiso Rabada’s inspiring bowling set the stage.

The biggest knock for the Proteas in the chase came from Aiden Markram, who drilled 136 runs in 207 balls to carry them over the line. Captain Temba Bavuma also managed 66 runs in 134 deliveries for the successful chase.

2. 282/3 by England vs New Zealand in 2004

It was the farewell Test for the former England captain, Nasser Hussain, and the debut of the would-be captain of the side, Andrew Strauss. Thanks to multiple fifties, the Kiwis put 386 runs on the board in the first innings before the home side took a small lead thanks to Strauss’s century on debut. The captain, Marcus Trescothick, also clubbed 86 runs in a fine 190-run opening stand.

Mark Richardson scored 101 in the second innings while Brendon McCullum fell short of the landmark by four runs. In the fourth innings, England chased down 282/3 quite comfortably as Hussain remained unbeaten on 103 runs while Andre Strauss also notched up 83 runs in 171 balls.

1. 344/1 by the West Indies vs England in 1984

It’s hard to believe a huge 344 runs being chased in the fourth innings of a Test, and that too in the past. But the success could only be earned by the old West Indies, which had all the ingredients with them. Graeme Flower’s 106 helped the home side put 286 on the board before the tourists fell for just 245 runs. Allan Lamb in the second innings drilled 110 runs while Ian Botham fetched 81.

The case was always going to be a tough one, but Gordon Greenidge was in the mood and he smashed an unbeaten 214 runs in 242 balls at a strike rate of nearly 90, while Larry Gomes remained unbeaten on 92 runs in 140 balls. The Caribbean side chased down the score of 344 with nine wickets in hand under the captaincy of Viv Richards.

It’s the story from the Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) camp, just before the start of the T20 World Cup 2024, in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). It was a tournament where the entire Caribbean wanted their mystery and successful spinner, Sunil Narine, to make a comeback in the national side. 

Their head coach, Darren Sammy, tried multiple times to convince Sunil to return to the side, who looked a bit thin in the spin department in the presence of only Akeal Hosein. The famous journalist, Vimal Kumar, during a recent interaction on Sony Sports Network, has leaked a story from the KKR campaign, when Narine gave the West Indies players a condition to feature in the home T20 World Cup 2024. 

SEE ALSO: WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Harry Brook in ongoing ENG vs IND third Test at Lord’s

“I can say it’s exclusive; it’s the story of Sunil Narine!! He retired from international cricket in 2023, but their national players, Rovman Powell and Dwayne Bravo, wanted him to return to the national team. Narine wasn’t sure even after so many discussions, as the former players went to Gautam Gambhir to have a word with the spinner. After Gambhir spoke to him during a net session to accept the request, Narine turned back and asked him a simple question, ‘Will you coach me?’ Vimal Kumar narrated.

Watch: Sunil Narine keeps one condition to play T20 World Cup 2024

That statement was incredible from the veteran West Indies player, who was ready to make a return to the T20Is only if Gambhir coaches them. That shows the immense respect he has for his former captain and current coach on the KKR side. Narine could have made a huge difference for the Powell-led side in the World Cup 2024.

🗣️ WATCH : Never heard story by Vimal Kumar on Sunil Narine about how he almost played the T20 WC 2024.

BUT HIS ONE CONDITION?
GG🥺pic.twitter.com/RExiMd7uLw

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) July 11, 2025

In 49 T20I innings, the 37-year-old has picked up 52 wickets at an average of 21.25 and a strike rate of 21.1 besides an economy rate of just over six, thanks to the best bowling figures of 4/12. In the T20s around the globe, he has collected 589 wickets in 544 innings at an average of under 22 and an economy rate of just over six.

The West Indies qualified for the super eight stage, but went on to lose a do-or-die clash against South Africa and were out of the event. The two-time champions, overall, weren’t at their best in all three departments of the game.

The West Indies ace speedster Shamar Joseph is garnering headlines for all the wrong reasons of late. Following the end of the Bridgetown Test, Shamar landed in a fresh controversey as allegations of rape came to light. The pace bowling hero has been accused of rape, sexual assault, harassment and unwanted advances by at least 11 women, including his teen cousin. This groundbreaking news has shaken West Indies cricket to its core.

Although Shamar has not been proven guilty at this stage, if reported to be true, then this could severely jeopardise his promising cricketing career. As per reports, one of his rape victims include his 18-year-old teen cousin who was allegdely raped in his residence in New Amsterdam. Going by the family accounts, Shamar picked her up under the false pretext of socialising and brought her to a house filled with others. He then took her upstairs and committed the heinous act.

In the wake of this shocking development, more women came forward with supporting evidence to prove that Shamar was attempting to put a tight lid on this matter. Back in 2023, Shamar was also arrested on account of sexual assault of a teen relative under the age of consent. The victim withdrew her statement while the case was closed; the charges were not pressed.

See also: West Indies v Australia, First Test: All you need to know

CWI's stance on Shamar Joseph's shocking rape allegations

Shamar's story is an evolving story, and at the moment, the Cricket West Indies (CWI) has declined to make any further comments. But the sudden emergence of these allegations in the midst of a Test match forced the national cricketing board to take action. While responding to SportsMax TV, CWI issued the following statement. 

“Cricket West Indies is unaware of the circumstances and, therefore, is not in a position to comment at this time.”

The second Test is due to take place in Grenada on July 3. It remains unclear whether Shamar will be seen in action for the second Test. A man who gained an unprecedented reputation for firing thunderbolts is now witnessing a possible end to his cricketing career. This shocking news has certainly damaged Shamar's reputation on a global scale, and his departure from the cricketing arena is bound to puncture West Indies cricket as a whole.  

A West Indian cricketer has reportedly been accused of sexual assault in Guyana during the team’s ongoing three-match home Test series against Australia. A 24-year-old woman claimed the incident occurred after she went on a date with the player. The alleged assault reportedly happened near her residence in Providence, East Bank Demerara. As per Guyana-based Kaieteur News, the woman provided WhatsApp messages where the cricketer appeared to apologize for his actions and allegedly offered her money, further fueling the seriousness of the situation.

In addition to this, SportsMax TV reported that multiple victims have come forward with similar accusations, alleging a widespread cover-up intended to shield the accused player. The channel contacted Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Kishore Shallow, inquiring whether the board was aware of these claims and whether any investigation had been launched. The situation has sparked serious concerns over how the matter is being handled and the potential implications for West Indies cricket.

See Also: What is the new ICC rule on T20I powerplay duration?

"Cricket West Indies is unaware of the circumstances and, therefore, is not in a position to comment at this time," Shallow said on behalf of Cricket West Indies.

It is a matter of some significant sensitivity: Nigel Hughes

In addition to it, Nigel Hughes, who is the lawyer representing one of the alleged victims, spoke to SportsMax TV and stated that the matter was highly sensitive. He revealed that the allegations had been made two years ago and that an investigation had taken place. According to him, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had recommended filing charges. He mentioned that this coincided with the famous Test match win by the West Indies in Australia, after which the suspect returned, and there had been no updates since. Hughes also said that his firm had been contacted about the case two years earlier and that, following a more recent allegation, they had made inquiries about the status of his client’s complaint, but had not received any substantial information.

"It is a matter of some significant sensitivity. The allegations that were leveled by the victims were leveled two years ago. An investigation was conducted, and we understand that there were recommendations from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to institute charges. You will recall the very famous Test match, which the West Indies won in Australia, occurred at the same time, and the suspect returned together and we have heard nothing since. My firm was initially contacted about two years ago, and with the more recent allegation, inquiries were made yesterday and the day before about what the status of my client's complaint was, and we have not been able to obtain any significant information," Hughes told.

Meanwhile, the West Indies are currently competing against Australia in the Test series opener in Barbados. Following the completion of the three red-ball fixtures, the two sides will lock horns in a five-match T20I series, beginning July 12.

Shai Hope provided the patrons with a moment to cherish during today’s game between West Indies and Australia – a cover drive that was almost… perfect. No flash, no fuss just timing, balance and elegance. As the ball whistled through the covers so effortlessly it looked like it belonged there, you could almost hear the world collapsing around fans watching on around the world.

It’s not the first time Hope has played that shot but this one felt special. He just leaned into the delivery, hands soft, eyes steady, and let the bat do the rest. No power-hitting needed, no trickery just a clean, old-school cover drive that made the sport feel beautiful again, even if just for a few seconds.

In a game often dominated by brute force and improvised strokes, Hope’s batting feels like a breath of fresh air. He plays the kind of cricket that makes you slow down and appreciate the craft. And today, with that one stroke, he reminded us that timing will always beat power and grace will always have a place in this game.

Watch the video:

ONE OF THE BEST COVER DRIVE IN THE WORLD - SHAI HOPE 🥶 pic.twitter.com/68ofev8I6d

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 26, 2025

 ALSO READ:  'I’ve only one request..' - Former Indian player urges Rishabh Pant to skip such celebration ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test

When One Shot Says Everything: Shai Hope’s Cover Drive That Stopped Time

That cover drive wasn’t just a boundary it was a declaration. A reminder that class is not passé. That cricket still has room for a type of batting that talks without shouting. You could hear it in the silences of the commentators, and see it in the replays that return again and again to that shot from every possible angle.

As the match continues, Hope’s form could be crucial for the Windies. But even if the scoreboard doesn’t reflect a massive total, that one shot was enough to light up the day. A cover drive like that doesn’t just fetch four runs it wins hearts.

Following their humiliating surrender against the Proteas in the World Test Championship Final 2025, Australia have stooped to another low in Test cricket. The all-time world champions have made a far from ideal start in their ongoing WTC 2025-27 cycle. Their Test tour to the Caribbean has not unfolded the way they would have ideally hoped on day one. 

For the first time in 30 years, Australia have registered their lowest-ever first innings Test score against the West Indies. The Aussies were skittled for a meager 180. Travis Head was the sole batter to register a half century (59 off 78) while Khawaja (47 off 128), Webster (11 off 24), and skipper Pat Cummins (28 off 18) were the other three batters to make it into double figures. 

A team that has only managed two test wins against them in the past two decades, this unwanted record will go down as one of the worst records in their Test history and is bound to ruffle some feathers. On a lively Barbados pitch, the WI quicks featuring Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales made life very difficult for the Aussies batters. Shamar wreaked havoc early doors to send Konstas, Green, and Khawaja packing. Shamar finished with four wickets to his name, but Seales outperformed him by picking up a five-fer as Australia folded prematurely inside the third session.  

See also: West Indies v Australia, First Test: All you need to know

Australia record their lowest-ever first innings total against the Windies in three decades

AUSTRALIA REGISTERED THEIR LOWEST EVER 1ST INNINGS TOTAL VS WEST INDIES IN THE LAST 30 YEARS. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/xZXtzRXqAR

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 25, 2025

Prior to enduring a horror show with the bat on the opening day of the Test, Australia's previous record of the lowest first innings test score was 216 from 1995. But the 30-year-long record has now been eclipsed after the West Indies managed to floor them for a meager 180 yesterday. 

It is worth mentioning that the Australian team has previously been bundled out below the 200-run mark on as many as 11 occasions since 1951. Their lowest-ever first innings score against West Indies came during the 1951 home Test series in Adelaide when the Aussies were skittled for just 82. Quite understandably, Australia had no chance of making a comeback on the back of such a paltry score and lost the game by six wickets. 

However, speaking of the current state of the Barbados Test, Australia still have an outside chance of securing a win as they managed to launch late strikes on the WI batters yesterday to have them reeling at 57-4 by the call of stumps.

Cricket West Indies has announced a 16 player squad for their upcoming Test series against Australia, which starts later this month in Barbados. All-rounder Roston Chase has been named the new captain, and the team includes a few new names looking to make their mark in red ball cricket.

Brandon King, Kevlon Anderson, and fast bowler Johann Layne all known for their performances in white-ball matches have received their first-ever Test call ups. Shai Hope, who leads the white ball team, and opening batter John Campbell are also back in the squad. One of the biggest points is the absence of senior fast bowler Kemar Roach, who has not been picked for this series.

Head coach Daren Sammy spoke about the decision to include Brandon King, calling it an important to build a stronger Test side for the future. With Roach not in the squad, the fast-bowling responsibilities will now be handled by Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph. Chase, meanwhile, will take over as skipper for this important series.

Roston Chase has been appointed the new West Indies Test captain.

The appointment was unanimously approved by the CWI Board of Directors during its meeting held today, May 16, 2025.

Congratulations Roston - WI are rallying behind you!🌴🏏 pic.twitter.com/xfCRfc7A34

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) May 16, 2025

“I believe in this group,” Sammy said. “We want to make playing at home a big advantage again, and for that, we need our fans to support us fully. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

ALSO READ: TNPL 2025: Kovai Kings vs Madurai Panthers full match highlights

Several regular names are missing from the squad this time. Players like Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Kavem Hodge, Gudakesh Motie, and Kevin Sinclair have been left out. Da Silva’s exclusion came as a surprise to many, especially after he finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the West Indies Championship. Coach Sammy explained that the team is trying something new and wants to give chances to fresh talent as they look to build for the future.

The three-match Test series will begin on June 25 at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Interestingly, the third and final Test, which starts on July 12 at Sabina Park in Jamaica, will be a day-night match played with a pink ball. That game will also mark the beginning of both teams’ new World Test Championship (WTC) journey.

West Indies Test Squad for Australia Series 2025:

Roston Chase (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Brandon King, Shamar Joseph, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Mikyle Louis, Alzarri Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Jayden Seales, Shai Hope, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip, Tevin Imla

WI vs AUS Test Series 2025 Schedule 

West Indian batting dynamite Nicholas Pooran shocked the world by announcing his international retirement on Monday. The 29-year-old batter hailing from Trinidad had featured in 61 T20Is for the West Indies and was poised to be the mainstay in his national side after becoming the highest run scorer for his side in this format. 

Following his retirement. Pooran began receiving support from different corners of the cricketing world. His own LSG teammate Rishab Pant stepped in to offer his support in the form of a heartfelt note. 

See also: Nicolas Pooran appointed as skipper of MI franchise

Pant pays tribute to Pooran on his retirement

Pant and Pooran reportedly share a very good bond on and off the field. While being characteristically similar in their batting style, the duo share the same dressing room in the cash-rich league and know each other from the inside out. The Indian vice-captain wished him all the best and lauded him for whatever milestones he had achieved for West Indies cricket.

"You have made your mark bro - a true teammate, friend and an absolute powerhouse. Proud to have shared the field with you, Congrats on everything you have done for West Indies cricket. Wishing you nothing but success for the road ahead. Respect always."

Pooran made his IPL debut in the 2019 season and has represented three franchises - PBKS, SRH, and LSG. The Trinidadian-born batter joined LSG in 2023 and has since then not looked back. He has had the most amount of successing playing for this franchise, scoring 1381 runs, averaging around 43. His retirement came a week after Heirich Klaasen announced his retirement from international cricket. Prior to Klaasen, Australia's Glenn Maxwell had also called time on his ODI career, making 2025 a year of retirements. 

Pooran made the decision to retire when he informed WICB not to consider him for the white-ball tour to England. With nearly eight months to go before the 2026 T20 World Cup kicks off, Pooran's departure will serve as a massive blow for the 2016 champions and a loss for Windies cricket as a whole.

The Trinidad-born West Indian batting icon Nicholas Pooran has stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from international cricket on Monday. This move from the 29-year-old left many cricketing pundits around the world puzzled. Pooran is currently in the midst of an exceptional run in white-ball cricket. In the 2025 IPL season alone, Pooran played some impactful cameos for LSG and showcased signs of extraordinary grit and determination. 

Being one of the most prolific and destructive cricketers at the franchise level, Pooran was also seen as a central figure in the West Indies' white ball setup. Experts certainly held the opinion that Pooran had a lot of international cricket left in him. With only 61 T20Is between 2016 and 2024, Pooran had a lot of untapped potential, and his absence from the squad is likely going to deflate the Men in Maroon at a time when they desperately need someone to turn the tide in their favor. 

See also: ENG vs WI Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win 3rd T20I, Preview & Analysis

So, what could be the possible reasons behind Pooran's sudden retirement call? Let's delve deeper into some of the factors that probably must have influenced his decision.

The growing influence of IPL over international cricket

It goes without saying that Pooran has established himself as a powerful IPL icon. On the back of his quickfire knocks, Pooran has gained an unprecedented popularity and earned a reputation for being an entertainer. The IPL has become a key component of his cricketing career. Needless to say, the fat pay cheques he receives after every IPL game suffice all his needs, which the national cricketing board may struggle to comply with. It can be said for sure that being a part of the national squad would not have given him enough games, nor enriched his exposure to a level where he could be seen as a global icon. 

An abundance of lucrative franchise leagues worldwide 

The West Indies Cricket Board is going through a time of instability and is facing a whole world of other operational challenges that are limiting the growth opportunities of the players. At a time like this, players like Pooran look beyond international cricket and explore the possibility of featuring in numerous cash-rich leagues that often tend to provide players with a lot of stability and exposure. Pooran is an experienced campaigner at the franchise level and has participated in as many as 11 franchise leagues from around the world. Add to that, he has been more successful at the franchise level as opposed to the international level. He averages 29.47 and has a strike rate of over 150 with three centuries at the T20 franchise level format, whereas in T20I cricket, his average and strike rate plummet to 26.14 and 136.39, respectively.

Reduced involvement with WICB following his captaincy exit in 2022

Pooran's success as a white-ball captain for the Windies had been very limited. After being appointed as the skipper in 2022 across two white-ball formats, the team under him performed poorly and eventually crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2022. He subsequently decided to step down after the horror show, which also resulted in his decreased involvement with the board. His regular spot in the squad was not always guaranteed, and the swashbuckling batter felt that his opportunities were being restricted at the international level, thus leading to his shock retirement.