Lara had already announced himself as the game’s premier batter earlier that year by breaking the Test record with 375 against England. Just weeks later, he achieved another landmark that remains untouched more than three decades on.
The West Indies star enjoyed some early fortune. He was bowled on 12, only for the delivery to be called a no ball, and later survived a chance on 18 when wicketkeeper Chris Scott put down a catch. Scott famously remarked that Lara would probably go on to score a century. Instead, he went on to score five of them.
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What followed was a masterclass in strokeplay and endurance. Lara faced 427 deliveries, striking 62 fours and 10 sixes as he dominated Durham’s bowlers. On the final morning alone, he blasted 174 runs before lunch, accelerating towards a record many believed would never be broken.
The previous mark of 499, set by Hanif Mohammad in 1959, finally fell as Lara moved into uncharted territory. By the time Warwickshire declared, he was unbeaten on 501, becoming the first player to reach the 500 mark in first class cricket.
The innings formed part of a remarkable run that saw Lara become the first cricketer to score seven centuries in eight first class innings. He would later reclaim the Test world record with 400 not out against England in 2004 after briefly losing it to Matthew Hayden.
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In recent years, Lara’s record has returned to the spotlight thanks to the exploits of South African all – rounder Wiaan Mulder. During his unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe in 2025, Mulder came within 33 runs of Lara’s Test record of 400 not out before declaring South Africa’s innings. Explaining the decision afterwards, Mulder revealed that Proteas coach Shukri Conrad had advised him to “let the legends keep the really big scores”, while the stand in captain added that “Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.” The comments sparked widespread debate and served as a reminder of the respect Lara’s achievements continue to command across the cricketing world.
More than three decades after it was set, Lara’s 501 not out remains the highest score ever made in first class cricket, a record that continues to stand as one of the sport’s most extraordinary feats.
Photo: REUTERS/ Howard Burditt
