Brian Lara made a sparkling 56 as MCC cantered to a 7-wicket win over Hertfordshire in their Lord’s Bicentenary Anniversary Day Cricket clash at the Home of Cricket Lord’s London yesterday.
Batting at number three, windiescricket.com said Lara was part of a fine performance from the MCC top order as they chased down 199 in 32.3 of their allotted 40-overs.
Openers Jonathan Wileman and Daryl Mitchell put on a fine opening stand of 104 to set MCC off to a perfect start.
Wileman was the standout player in their partnership, making 67, while Worcestershire batsman Mitchell made a robust 64, reaching his half century with a six into the Mound Stand, but it was Lara who stole the show with a wonderful performance, unfurling a range of vintage strokes in a knock which spanned just 36 balls and 38 minutes.
He fell with fewer than ten required, receiving a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd as he returned to the Pavilion, leaving ex-South Africa batsman Dale Benkenstein finish things off for the MCC.
Former Ireland captain Trent Johnston was the pick of the MCC bowlers earlier in the day, taking three wickets for 33 in his eight over spell after Hertfordshire’s won the toss and elected to bat.
Ex-MCC Young Cricketer Jamie Southgate was the standout batsman for Hertfordshire, making 56 before he was dismissed by Mitchell – hitting nine fours in his knock.
The Final scores: Hertfordshire 198 off 40-overs, MCC 199 for 3 off 32.3-overs.
