Performance of the Day - Brian Lara

No, you didn't misread the headline and yes, our picture does show the Great Man taking leave of the international game, but the Prince of Port-of-Spain is still playing cricket as the Trindad and Tobago vs Guyana scorecard shows. Having scored a century in the first dig (and taken three catches), Lara wrapped up the win with an extraordinary assault, pinging 53 off just 27 balls. For the man to still have the hunger to do that, after all he has achieved, is mighty impressive and deserving of a PotD.

The wider question concerns whether Lara was forced out / retired too early. Whilst it's not ideal for team cohesion, surely it must be possible to allow one of the game's All-Time Greats to pick and choose his tours as he approaches 40? Unlike the visibly creaking Hayden and flab-fighting Inzy, Lara carries no excess weight in fat or muscle and has seldom been injured.

And it would allow cricket fans another opportunity to watch in wonder at the man's batsmanship.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]