Brian Lara

Sachin Tendulkar may be the cricketing God in India, but many feel that Brian Lara is the greatest batsman in the world.

Date of Birth: 2 May 1969, Cantaro, Santa Cruz, Trinidad  Test Debut: Against Pakistan at Lahore in 1990/91  ODI Debut: Against Pakistan at Karachi in 1990/91  Bats: Left Hand Bat  Bowls: Leg Break Googly

Sachin Tendulkar may be the cricketing God in India, but many feel that Brian Lara is the greatest batsman in the world.

Lara has always been into the record books of cricket. From his 375 against England in 1993, which stayed as the world record for almost 11 years, to his 501 not out in the first-class arena.

Though Australian Matthew Hayden cracked 380 against Zimbabwe to eclipse Lara's swashbuckling record, Lara came back with an unbeaten 400 against England in 2004.

The phenomenal player can dismantle the best bowling attacks in the world, and has a nag to score big and quicks runs.

Having a healthy average in 40's in one-dayers and 50's in Tests, Lara crossed the 10,000-run mark in Tests recently and has grossed more 8900 runs in ODIs.

Apart from his extravagant batting style, Lara is also a great slip fielder.

After an unhappy first spell as captain, Lara took the job on again in March last year. A great motivator, though a bit too aggressive, he is capable of being a good leader for the West Indies side.