Brian Lara (born May 2, 1969), is a West Indian cricketerer, born in Santa Cruz, Trinidad. A talented left handed batsman and holder of the records for the highest scores in test cricket (375 v. England in 1994) and first-class cricket (501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994), Lara captained the West Indies from 1997 to 1999. He was reappointed as captain against the touring Australians in 2003, and struck 110 in his first test match back in charge, showing signs of him returning to his best.

In October 2003 Lara's test innings record was surpassed by Australian opener Matthew Hayden who scored 380 against Zimbabwe.