The Brian Lara Cricket Academy, located in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, is a premier cricket venue named after the legendary West Indian cricketer, Brian Lara. Since its inauguration in 2007, the stadium has become a significant site for both domestic and international cricket matches. This article delves into the pitch report, records, statistics, and boundary lengths of this iconic stadium.
Overview of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy
| Venue Name | Brian Lara Cricket Academy |
| Location | Tarouba, Trinidad, West Indies |
| Opened | 2007 |
| Seating Capacity | 15,000 |
| Pitch Behaviour | Batting-friendly |
| Floodlights | Yes |
| Bowling Ends | South End, North End |
| Shortest Boundary | 60 meters |
| Longest Boundary | 72 meters |
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy is known for its hard and bouncy surface, making it a batting paradise. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, allowing batsmen to play their strokes freely. However, as the game progresses, spinners tend to get some assistance from the pitch, making it a balanced venue for both batsmen and bowlers.
- Average First Innings Score: 161
- Average Second Innings Score: 140
Records and Statistics
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy has hosted several memorable matches, and numerous records have been set at this venue. Here are some key statistics:
| Match Type | Total Matches | Matches Won Batting First | Matches Won Bowling First | Highest Total | Lowest Total | Highest Score Chased | Lowest Score Defended |
| T20I | 8 | 4 | 4 | 267/3 (ENG vs WI) | 132/10 (ENG vs WI) | 156/7 (RSAW vs WIW) | 149/6 (WI vs IND) |
Notable Performances
- Highest Total: England holds the record for the highest total at this venue, scoring 267/3 against the West Indies.
- Lowest Total: England also recorded the lowest total at this venue, being bowled out for 132 runs against the West Indies.
- Highest Score Chased: The highest successful chase at this venue is 156/7 by South Africa Women against West Indies Women.
- Lowest Score Defended: The lowest score successfully defended is 149/6 by West Indies against India.
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Boundary Length
The boundary lengths at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy vary, with the shortest boundary being 60 meters and the longest boundary being 72 meters. This range provides a fair challenge for both batsmen and bowlers, with larger boundaries requiring more power and precision from the batsmen.
| Boundary Type | Length |
| Shortest | 60 meters |
| Longest | 72 meters |
West Indies’ Record at Brian Lara Cricket Academy
The West Indies team has had a mixed record at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy across different formats:
| Format | Played | Won | Lost | Tied | Draw | No Result |
| Test | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Memorable Matches
One of the most memorable matches at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy was the T20I between England and the West Indies, where England posted a massive total of 267/3. Phil Salt’s century, along with contributions from Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone, helped England set this record. In response, the West Indies were bowled out for 192, giving England a 75-run victory.
Another notable match was the T20 World Cup group stage game where New Zealand bowled out Papua New Guinea for just 78 runs. Lockie Ferguson’s exceptional bowling performance, supported by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, led New Zealand to an easy victory.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy stands as a testament to the rich cricketing heritage of the West Indies. With its batting-friendly pitch, balanced boundary lengths, and state-of-the-art facilities, it continues to be a favored venue for both players and fans. The records and statistics from this venue highlight its significance in the cricketing world, making it a must-visit for any cricket enthusiast.
Whether it’s the high-scoring thrillers or the nail-biting finishes, the Brian Lara Cricket Academy has witnessed it all. As it continues to host more matches, one can only expect more records to be broken and more memorable moments to be created at this iconic venue.