A week ago Brian Lara had been sacked as captain of the West Indies team and it looked as if their tour to South Africa might not event take place. Lara had been branded a trouble-maker as he and other senior players fought with the West Indian Board over fees for the tour.

Yesterday Lara left the pitch in Kimberley (left) having hit an impressive century to put his country on top on the second day of their four-day match against Griqualand West.

Restored to the captaincy, Lara, who holds the world records for the highest scores in Test and first class cricket, made 101 as the tourists reached 327 for six at close of play in reply to Griqualand West's 271 all out.

Lara's 36th career first class century was posted off 126 balls with 16 fours and two sixes. The little lefthander played some sparkling strokes and hit 23 off one over from young medium-pacer Andre Botha, with four fours, a six and a single.