The third is Brian Lara, who holds records for the highest-ever score in first-class cricket (501 not out), and in Test matches (375), and who returned to his best form in the recent series against Australia with two match-winning innings.

ECONOMIST: Three of the best

Later that year, Lara signed for Warwickshire and scored 501 not out against Durham in the County Championship - which remains the highest individual score in first-class cricket.

BBC: Page last updated at 08:18 GMT, Wednesday, 21 January 2009

The count would change if the low-budget Minnesota Twins, two games out of first place, knock off the Detroit Tigers (fifth-highest payroll) in the American League Central.

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