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Watch: Wasim Akram’s yorker injures Lara, leaves his shoe with a huge tear

by Wisden Staff June 15, 2021 - 6:48am 2 minute read

Pakistan all-rounder Wasim Akram recently took to Twitter to narrate an incident involving Brian Lara when the two clashed in a 1992 World Cup league game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Akram, who sent down some of the deadliest yorkers in his prime, posted an image of Lara with the West Indian is seen holding a shoe that seems to be completely punctured in the toe region.

“The Prince of Trinidad never ceases to amaze, years after retirement from the game! We met at a charity and he brought this shoe with him to make sure I would sign it — he’d held on to it since 1992 WC when I hit him on the toe (after he got 88!) Hold a grudge much, @BrianLara?” tweeted Akram.

The Prince of Trinidad never ceases to amaze, years after retirement from the game! We met at a charity and he brought this shoe with him to make sure I would sign it – he’d held on to it since 1992 WC when I hit him on the toe (after he got 88!) Hold a grudge much, @BrianLara ? pic.twitter.com/wXwUf9otUt

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) June 11, 2021

In the particular game, held on February 23, 1992, the Pakistan team could only manage 220-2 in their quota of 50 overs, with Ramiz Raja scoring an unbeaten 102. In reply, the West Indies side got off to a cracking start with the openers — Desmond Haynes and Lara — looking in spectacular touch.

The left-handed batter was all set for a well-deserved century before being hit on the toe by a yorker that was sent down by Akram in the 37th over of the innings. Lara was seen limping following the delivery, and eventually retired hurt on 88 off 101 deliveries.

Richie Richardson came out to bat at three and helped West Indies over the line with ease.