Who holds the record for scoring the most runs in a single first class innings?

Introduction / Context:
First class cricket includes Test matches and long format domestic matches, and individual records in this category are highly valued. One of the most famous records is for the highest individual score in a single first class innings. Knowing which batsman holds this record is a common requirement in cricket general knowledge. This question asks you to recall the player who scored the most runs in one first class innings, creating a landmark total that remains widely recognised.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The level is first class cricket, which covers multi day matches including domestic and Test cricket.
• The record is for the highest individual score in a single innings.
• The options are Hanif Mohammad, Brian Lara, Sir Donald Bradman, and Sachin Tendulkar.
• We assume officially recognised first class records.

Concept / Approach:
Brian Lara, the West Indian batting great, holds the record for the highest individual score in first class cricket. He scored an unbeaten 501 runs for Warwickshire against Durham in an English county match in 1994. This 501 not out surpassed previous records and remains the benchmark for highest individual first class innings. Hanif Mohammad, Sir Donald Bradman, and Sachin Tendulkar all have famous big scores, but none reached the 501 mark in first class cricket. The correct approach is to link the number 501 not out with Brian Lara and select him as the record holder.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the record for the highest individual first class score is 501 not out. Step 2: Connect this score with Brian Lara, who achieved it while playing for Warwickshire in English county cricket. Step 3: Consider the other names. Hanif Mohammad scored a famous 499 in domestic cricket but did not surpass Lara 501. Step 4: Remember that Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar have many centuries and double centuries but no single innings of 501. Step 5: Conclude that Brian Lara is the player who holds the record for most runs in a single first class innings.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification is straightforward if you recall a couple of key numbers. Hanif Mohammad 499 was once a record but was overtaken by Lara 501 not out. This change is widely discussed in cricket history books and documentaries. Also, discussions about Lara career often highlight that he holds two major batting records: 400 not out in Test cricket and 501 not out in first class cricket. Neither Bradman nor Tendulkar is associated with these exact figures, which confirms that Lara is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Hanif Mohammad: Scored a remarkable 499, which was a previous record, but this was later overtaken by Brian Lara 501 not out.

Sir Donald Bradman: Considered one of the greatest batsmen ever, with an average near 100, but he does not hold the record for the single highest first class score.

Sachin Tendulkar: Holds numerous records in international cricket, but his highest first class innings does not exceed Brian Lara 501.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to remember that Hanif Mohammad 499 was once a record and assume it remains the highest, overlooking the later 501 by Lara. Another pitfall is to guess that Bradman or Tendulkar must hold every major batting record simply because of their reputations. To avoid such confusion, it is helpful to remember specific landmark numbers: Lara 400 not out in Tests and 501 not out in first class cricket, with Hanif 499 as a notable but surpassed milestone.

Final Answer:
The record for the most runs in a single first class innings is held by Brian Lara, who scored 501 not out, so Brian Lara is the correct answer.