An excerpt from the West Indies legend's new book revisits their thrilling 1991 tour of England under the watchful eye of Viv Richards. He was captivated by players who excelled against pace, having personally experienced the challenges posed by his teammates both in the nets and in matches back in the Caribbean. Observing how batters handled the West Indies' formidable bowlers was always fascinating.
A Masterclass at Headingley
Graham Gooch's performance at Headingley in the first Test was a masterclass in batting. It was astonishing, especially for someone so young and relatively inexperienced in the nuances of the game, despite having played plenty of first-class cricket. Gooch's dominance in his late thirties, more than in his early career, stood out. His 154 not out was a testament to the experience he'd accumulated over the years, a level the Brain aspired to reach. He yearned to learn from Gooch, not upset by the runs scored but disappointed by the loss, yet in awe of what he witnessed. Only Viv Richards came close to matching Gooch's brilliance, with a commendable 70 in the first innings.
During that Test, discussions in the dressing room focused on Devon Malcolm and Phil DeFreitas, two West Indian bowlers representing England. There was a sense of proving that West Indian bowlers could only truly belong in their team. This attitude wasn't outright disrespectful, but it was close. However, DeFreitas and Malcolm proved formidable, contributing significantly to the team's first loss in England since the '70s.
Facing the Intensity of Viv Richards
Reflecting on the aftermath of the first Test defeat, Brain found himself driven to score runs, determined to perform in the upcoming matches, even practice games. However, this intense focus led to back-to-back failures, with nerves and tension affecting his performance. Despite his efforts, he couldn't deliver, resulting in his exclusion from the Lord's Test.
The Lord's Test brought memories of Carl Hooper's class. Hooper's effortless batting left everyone, including senior players, in awe. Yet, Hooper didn't fully realise his potential, often overwhelmed by Viv Richards' intimidating demeanour. While some players found Richards' tough love daunting, Lara embraced it, understanding it as essential for West Indies cricket. Richards' personality was commanding, inspiring his players with his passionate speeches, though it sometimes led to conflicts, especially later when Lara became captain.
Despite the intimidating presence of Richards, Brian Lara admired him, recognising the value in his tough approach. Richards' intent was always for the betterment of West Indies cricket, even if his methods were harsh. Brian recalls instances of Richards' sternness, like during the Lord's Test when he was sent for a run instead of having lunch, showcasing the intense discipline Richards demanded.
Lessons from a Night Out
A memorable incident occurred at a soca party in Brixton, where Brian broke curfew. Though not the only one to do so, this led to a fine, lesson in the strict expectations of the tour. The following days were filled with the vibrant atmosphere of London, the West Indian community's support, and the inevitable disciplinary actions that came with youthful exuberance.
Driving to Hampshire with Richards after Lord's, Lara decided to adopt a more aggressive approach. However, Richards' advice to temper this aggression highlighted his concern for the Brain's development, emphasising the need for a balanced, patient approach to batting in England.
These reflections from "Lara: The England Chronicles" by Brian Lara, reveal the trials, lessons, and camaraderie of a legendary tour, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and growth of a cricketing great.