Recalling the day Matthew Hayden Broke Brian Lara'...

Recalling the day Matthew Hayden Broke Brian Lara's Record to Score 380 Runs in an Innings Against Zimbabwe

Continuing to toy with the Zimbabwe unit, Hayden reached 300, becoming the fifth Australian to reach the landmark. (Image: ICC/Twitter)

From pull shots to cuts to heavy drives, Mathew Hayden went on smash a gigantic 380 against Zimbabwe, overtaking Brian Lara’s nine-year record of 375

News 18- On October 9, 2003, the cricketing world witnessed carnage. A blitzkrieg was inflicted on Zimbabwe by an individual. In a two-match Test series scheduled, Matthew Lawrence Hayden smashed a sizzling 380 runs against Zimbabwe in the first Test of the two-match Test series, scoring the second-highest individual Test score in history, after West Indies’ Brian Lara’s 400. Zimbabwe knew what they were signing up for on their tour to Australia in 2003, but to be toyed by one batter, was not in the scripts.

In the first Test at Perth, Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak won the toss and elected to field against Australia, a decision which to date haunts the former Zimbabwe skipper. Opening with Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden started his innings playing cautiously on a batting-friendly wicket at WACA. At the time, Australia were revered, were feared as the squad consisted of players who are now known as legends. From a deadly and fierce attacking unit to aggressive, dominating batters who could break the opposition, Australia were a side to not mess with.

Throughout five sessions, Hayden scripted history as he batted and batted and seemed like he never wanted to leave the crease. From pull shots to cuts to heavy drives, Hayden went on smash a gigantic 380 against Zimbabwe, overtaking Brian Lara’s nine-year record of 375. On Day 1, Hayden stepped on the gas after Tea and scored 183 till stumps was called. On Day 2, Hayden continued his onslaught, passed his previous best score of 203.

Continuing to toy with the Zimbabwe unit, Hayden reached 300, becoming the fifth Australian to reach the landmark. Out in the middle, Hayden surprisingly did not seem tired, but rather enjoying himself as he thrashed the visitors left, right and center. The tourists had no solution to Hayden’s offence as the swashbuckler continued to break numerous records set by renowned batters in the sport.

Hayden reached 380, but surely batting two days continuously, had its toll which saw the opener being dismissed by Trevor Gripper. Spectators at WACA were on their feet, lauding an innings that can never be recreated. Hayden’s dismissal was a breakthrough for Zimbabwe, however, wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist added a classy century to Australia’s innings as the hosts breached the 700-run mark, a rare feat in the sport.

Steve Waugh finally decided to declare on 735/6. Staring at a gargantuan score, the tourists managed to come out in the middle but then had to face the likes of Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie and Andy Bichel. Gripper was the highest scorer (53) for Zimbabwe in the first innings as the visitors were bundled out for 239.

Enforcing the follow on, Mark Vermeulen (63) and Sean Ervine (53) managed to add runs to the board and lessen the deficit, however, Any Bichel’s 4/63 saw the tourists being bowled out for 321, Australia winning the first Test by an innings and 175 runs. –

This article first appeared on news18.com