5 centuries that were overshadowed

#4 Ridley Jacobs: 107* vs England at Antigua, April 2004

Jacob’s ton kept one end guarded allowing Lara to bat freely during his 400*

In the 4^th Test in the England vs West Indies Test series in 2004, Brian Charles Lara made a forever lasting mark on Test cricket by becoming the first batsman to score 400 runs in an innings.

For 778 minutes, Lara played some outstanding cricket, scoring boundaries in his elegant style. The left-hander broke several records during his masterclass innings and the fans thoroughly enjoyed his classy batting display.

However, the best seat in the house was occupied by Ridley Jacobs who, while standing at the non-striker’s end, saw Lara unleash his flurry on the English bowlers.

The wicket-keeper batsman joined Lara when the latter was playing on 234 runs with the team score at 469 for five. As Lara looked invincible, the only chance for England to end the carnage was to pick wickets from the other end. Jacobs was the last genuine batsmen in the team with the tailenders were lined-up after him.

Hence, England kept on attacking Jacobs in the pursuit of exposing the tail enders. However, the left-hand batsman showed tremendous resilience and allowed Lara to bat freely. The partnership lasted for 282 runs and Jacobs left the field unconquered after watching his captain reach the milestone of 400 runs.

As the Caribbean skipper bludgeoned the English bowlers, Jacobs from the other end scored, his century in a quiet yet graceful style. The hundred included eight fours and three sixes that reflected the wicket-keeper batsman’s powerful arms and aggression.

The Test will be forever remembered for Lara’s 400* but somewhere, Jacobs’ gritty 107 has surely left its mark as well.