Lara Close to Border's Record

Brian Lara edged to within 12 runs of breaking Allan Border's all-time runs record with a brilliant double century which rescued the West Indies on the first day of the third Test against Australia in Adelaide.

The left-hander ended the day 202 not out off 266 balls to put him within touching distance of the former Australia captain's aggregate of 11,174.
Not for the first time Lara, already the world record holder of the highest Test score of 400, came to his side's aid with them struggling at 53 for three.

What followed was a pure masterclass from one of the greatest batsmen in the history game.

After surviving a strong lbw shout from Andrew Symonds' first ball, he settled into a familiar rhythm.

He shared a fourth-wicket stand of 68 - passing 11,000 Test runs - with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (25) which averted the danger before the West Indies captain was caught behind by Adam Gilchrist off Symonds.

However, that was the signal for Lara to pick up the pace and he brought up his 31st Test century with a trademark cover drive for four.
Bravo, coming off a century in Hobart, made a confident 34 but was brilliantly caught by Ricky Ponting at cover when he got a leading edge to a leg spinner Stuart MacGill, ending a stand of 116.

Dwayne Smith made 14, including a four and a six off MacGill, but he was outwitted by the same bowler and offered a catch to Symonds at deep midwicket as he attempted another big shot.

Denesh Ramdin (27) came to the crease to join Lara and the two of them saw off the threat of the new ball, but the young wicketkeeper was trapped leg before by Glenn McGrath to give the fast bowler his first wicket of the match.

Lara, in a rare rash moment, then ducked into playing a flat hook shot off Brett Lee to record his 20th boundary and bring up his double century just 16 balls before the close.

He and Daren Powell (seven not out) successfully completed the day's play without the loss of further wickets as the tourists reached stumps at 352 for seven.

Earlier, the West Indies' decision to bat after winning the toss backfired as Lee struck twice in the sixth over to get rid of openers Wavell Hinds (10) and Devon Smith (seven) - both caught by Matthew Hayden at gully.

Lee then claimed his third wicket when Ramnaresh Sarwan hooked straight to Symonds at fine leg where the all-rounder took a simple catch.