Rain, No Play

As Cricket World Cup 2007 approaches, Rain, No Play takes a look at aging batting stars likely in search of a final taste of glory.
 
Brian Lara, 37, West Indies
 
Without question, the stage is all set for Lara to write another page in the history books. Few cricketers have experienced the highs and lows of Lara's career; lauded as a hero in one breath and labeled a pariah in the next. Already the world record holder for highest test innings [400 n.o.], and highest first class knock [501 n.o.], Lara can further his legacy and silence his critics by leading his team to its first World Cup title since 1979, on home soil. 
 
Sanath Jayasuriya, 37, Sri Lanka
 
Jayasuriya revolutionized the ODI game with his hard hitting style. Having burst onto the scene in 1996, he went on to captain Sri Lanka for four years and has a test triple century to his credit. After a brief retirement in 2006, this upcoming World Cup will be the perfect setting for Jayasuriya to end his career much the way it started - in a blaze of glory.
 
Inzamam-Ul-Haq, 36, Pakistan
 
Ul-Haq will be 37 by the end of the World Cup, and surely this will be his last shot at helping Pakistan to the title. Not only is Inzi facing the pressures of captaining his side, but he also has to step out of the shadow of scoring a mere 16 runs in the 2003 World Cup. After galvanizing his country in boycotting the Lord's test match in 2006 after accusations of ball tampering, a successful Cup campaign could cement Inzamam's place as Pakistan's most celebrated player.
 
Adam Gilchrist, 35, Australia
 
Much like Jayasuriya, Gilchrist helped to bring excitement to ODIs while opening the innings. Owner of a career strike rate of 96.29, Gilchrist is often times unmatched in his ability to dominate the first 15 overs of the game. At 35, Gilchrist will no doubt be looking to leave the game with Australia as repeat World Cup Champions.
 
Sourav Ganguly, 34, India
 
Arguably, no player has more to prove at the World Cup than Sourav Ganguly. Axed from the senior side in early 2006, many wondered if his career was unceremoniously over. However, he resumed his international career when selected to the test team to South Africa in 2006/2007. Good form led to his selection for the World Cup, and the opportunity to prove that he still has the goods to perform at the highest level. One would be hard-pressed to find a grittier competitor over the last decade, and so it would be foolish to count him out.
 
 
 

• 618 reads