In June 1994, West Indian batsman Brian Lara set a record which still stands today. He achieved the highest ever first-class score: 501 not out for Warwickshire against Durham. During that innings he scored 10X sixes and 62X fours in an innings that lasted 7 hours and 7 minutes. Including runs for his partners, he also ran 322 times which equates to 7084 yards, or 4.025 miles.

DURING THIS PERIOD OF LOCKDOWN DUE TO COVID-19, WE ARE CHALLENGING ALL CHILDREN INVOLVED IN PLATFORM CRICKET CLUBS TO REPLICATE BRIAN LARAS AMAZING FEAT!

GRAB A BAT AND RUN 322 X 22 YARDS. THIS MIGHT BE ALL IN ONE GO OR SPREAD OVER A WEEK. IT MIGHT BE IN A GARDEN, ON A LANDING OR IN A STREET (PROVIDING CHILDREN ARE 2 METRES FROM ANY NON-HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS!).

In normal circumstances, we would now be thinking about beginning the outdoor cricket season but there is presently a temporary suspension of all cricket.

Many children will be missing cricket and sport in general, but the BRIAN LARA CHALLENGE is one small way they can do a bit of cricket without the need of anyone outside of their households. It will also help to get some much needed exercise and prepare for the cricket season, when it does eventually start!

Running over 4 miles is a particularly remarkable achievement for 8-10 year olds and we are thrilled that so many of our project's participants have decided to take up this huge challenge in order to raise funds for our charity.

Like many charities, our organisation is facing a very difficult period over the coming months with income sources drying up and so we are extremely grateful for any funds received.

Funds will be used to sustain our charity through the period of lockdown and enable us to start our activities with children in inner London back up as seamlessly and soon as possible, when restrictions are lifted.

The Platform Cricket programme works in areas of little to no cricket provision, aiming to bring more children from disadvantaged and BAME backgrounds into the game. We work in some of the most deprived wards in inner London and also support personal and social development through cricket.

We hope to be in a strong position to salvage some of the 2020 cricket season in July/August and support the communities we work with to get their health and wellbeing back on track through regular exercise, managed social interaction and child-care that enables parents to return to work.