Maestro rewrites records, becomes first to score 400

Extracts from reports on Brian Lara's feat during the fourth Test against England

- Agencies

ST. JOHN'S (ANTIGUA): West Indies captain Brian Lara became the first batsman in Test cricket's history to score 400 runs in an innings as he passed Australian opener Matthew Hayden's 380 on the third day of the fourth and final match against England on Monday and reclaimed the record for the highest individual in the game's history.

Almost 10 years after he hit 375 against England, creating a world record on the same ground, Lara took his score from 313 overnight to 380 with a straight six off spinner Gareth Batty before sweeping him for four next ball. Lara leapt with delight before being congratulated by England's players as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Hayden had bettered Lara's 1994 record of 375 nearly six months ago during his blitzkrieg innings against Zimbabwe in Perth. Lara had phoned Hayden to congratulate him when he achieved the feat.