Lara stars in losing effort for Aussie Legends

Perth, Dec 16 (IANS/CMC) Legendary West Indies batsman Brian Lara stroked a typically flashy half-century but failed to prevent Australian Legends from a 50-run defeat to Perth Scorchers in an exhibition Twenty20 clash here.

Chasing 180 to win at Aquinas College, the Legends XI ended on 129 for five with the left-handed Lara finishing unbeaten on 51 from 50 balls Monday, reports CMC.

Lara started slowly before easing into his rhythm, and beginning to find the boundaries with touches of his old class.

The double world-record holder was the only batsman in his star-studded side to pass 20 as Dean Jones (16), Andrew Symonds (13), Justin Langer (9) and Adam Gilchrist (1) all fell cheaply.

Despite the loss, former Test star Langer said playing in the same team as the West Indies great was satisfaction enough.

“This is so much fun,” the left-hander said.

“To be on the same field as Brian Lara - I used to idolise him. Even when I played against him I loved watching him bat.”

Earlier, Ashton Turner thumped a top score of 75 from 38 balls while Englishman Michael Carberry stroked 28, in his debut match for the Scorchers ahead of the Big Bash League starting later this week.

Marcus Harris chipped in with 23 and Sam Whiteman got 22, while Scorchers seamer Yasir Arafat, who played for the Legends, was the best bowler with two for 30 from four overs.

Symonds (1-43) and Andy Bichel (1-50) were taken for runs up by the Scorchers batsmen but Michael Kasprowicz proved miserly with one for 22 off his four overs.