CAPE TOWN - West Indies batsman Brian Lara made a sparkling return to the international scene with a scintillating century against South Africa in the opening game of the World Cup on Sunday.
The left-hander struck his 16th one-day hundred after West Indies won the toss and elected to batfirst at Newlands.
After a rocky start to their innings, the West Indies recovered to post an imposing 278 for five in their 50 overs, Lara's century the centrepiece of what was a commanding batting effort.
His efforts were all the more remarkable in that they came in his first competitive match since he collapsed with suspected hepatitis at the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka last September
"I've played an official practice match in Trinidad and that's about it before coming here to South Africa," he told SABC television.
"It's nice to come back, and to come back in form. It's a great atmosphere here."
Coming to the crease with West Indies four for one, Lara shepherded his team to 30 for two after 15 overs before unleashing a trademark string of drives and wristy punches and flicks through the leg side.
He was out in the 46th over when he attempted a pull off Makhaya Ntini, the ball flying off the top edge of the bat to be well caught by South Africa captain Shaun Pollock at mid on.
Lara's 116 came from 134 balls with 12 fours and two sixes, the first smashed back past Allan Donald and the second effortlessly lofted over square leg off Lance Klusener.
