ST JOHN'S, Antigua (Reuters):
WEST INDIES captain Brian Lara will look to break Australian Matthew Hayden's world record Test score of 380 when he resumes on 313 not out on day three of the fourth and final Test against England today.
Almost exactly 10 years after he hit a then-world record 375 against England on the same ground, Lara smashed 34 fours and three sixes to become only the second man to score two Test triple centuries.
"It (the world record) will be in my mind and it's there for the taking," Lara told reporters yesterday. "I want to bat until lunch and if it's there I'll go for it.
"I think I mentioned before the series started that I wanted to become the first man to make 400 in a Test, and so we're looking to pile on the runs tomorrow.
"We want in excess of 700 runs and if the record comes then so be it."
Trailing 3-0 in the series, Lara was keen to play down the importance of the record but said joining Australia's Don Bradman as the only players to make two Test triple centuries was a major achievement.
ACCOLADES
"I think the accolades and achievements will all fall into place at the right time," Lara said, adding his team's poor performances in the first three Tests had diminished the joy he felt at passing 300 for the second time.
"The standing of the series has dampened the occasion," Lara said. "Ten years ago we were ahead in the series, I want the best for the West Indies and that means getting us back on top."
Opener Hayden broke the record six months ago against Zimbabwe in Perth, while a measly return of 100 runs in the first three Tests against England left many pundits questioning Lara's future as captain and his long-term plans in the game.
"The effect that (Hayden's record) had on me was not one of disappointment," Lara said. "I thought it would be a catalyst for me to go on and make a name for myself."
In 1994, Lara was 320 not out overnight before he returned to pass fellow West Indian Gary Sobers' Test record of 365.
On that occasion, he rose early to play golf with Sobers. Not this time.
"I was 24 then. I am tired now," he said.
