This aside, it's a pleasingly playable affair, at least on the easier Slog mode or Village setting, with greater precision needed for County and Test.īatting is mainly a pleasure, and cracking a six into the crowd is a possibility for all but the most cack-handed buffoon. In that sense at least, Brian Lara versus Cricket 2005 mirrors Pro Evolution Soccer versus FIFA, with EA's financial might predictably winning the licensing battle. Likewise, you're reduced to playing at North London or South London as opposed to Lords and The Oval. That said, it's actually one M Vorner' who leads out our boys, legalities precluding the use of real names (although of course you can change them yourself). Visually, it's a more cartoony affair, and as far as player likeness go, suffice to say England captain Michael Vaughan is more Yorkshire Ripper than Yorkshire spinner. However, it would appear that the bulk of the licensing kitty went on securing the veteran's name, as the rest of the game has something of a cheap and cheerful look to it, particularly in comparison to EA's customarily authentic approach.

but if nothing else, the money he'll get for this should help boost his retirement fund. It's now ten years since the original Lara (not that Lara) game appeared, and 12 years since the batsman's epochal 501 innings. Joining EA's functionally named perennial, Cricket 2005, the resurrected Brian Lara game harks back to an earlier age. As If To rub in the fact that the football season is in hiatus, cricket has fought back with something of a double whammy.

Brian lara cricket 2007 gameplay