JOHANNESBURG, 16 December 2003 — Brian Lara completed a brilliant double century on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa yesterday but his team ended the day staring defeat in the face.
At the close of play, the tourists were languishing on 31 for three after South Africa had declared their second innings on 226 for six to set an unlikely victory target of 378.
Ramnaresh Sarwan was six not out with Lara yet to score after a three-wicket burst by fast bowler Makhaya Ntini who had taken five for 94 in the first innings.
West Indies started the day on 363 for six but ended their first innings on 410 soon after Lara was out for 202.
The captain batted more than seven hours, hitting two sixes and 32 fours in his sixth Test double century.
In the penultimate over on Sunday he had struck a world-record 28 in one over from left-arm spinner Robin Peterson.
Yesterday, Lara drove paceman Andre Nel square through the covers for four to reach his double century but was caught by Martin van Jaarsveld at extra cover off the next delivery.
