Brian Lara

Brian Lara, one of the giants of modern cricket, announced his retirement from international cricket after the West Indies' victory yesterday against Bangladesh. A batting genius, he holds the records for most Test runs (11,953), the most runs in a Test innings (400 not out), and the most runs in a first-class innings (501 not out).

My interest in cricket came too late to see him in his pomp, so I've been restricted to reading about his greatest innings and watching compilations on YouTube. For my money, it doesn't get any better than his 153 not out as he led the tail home as the West Indies successfully chased 308 to defeat Australia. Nerves of steel.