@miandad,
So I got it wrong, my apologies. in 2001 test series their was no hundred.
So Lara is ahead of Tendulkar in terms of facing 2 W's at their peak, better average with Donald, played Murali better than Sachin. Lara also has a better average against Australia.
Lara has played that icnonic 153, which for you is a prerequisite for a batsman to have an innings against the odds.
On the balance, he was never consistent, and his averages at certain periods reflect that.
Also on the balance like you stated with Tendulkar not facing 2 W's at their peak, the same could be said Sachin faced 3 more dominant bowlers in Ambrose, Walsh, Steyn. He did play Wasim, Waqur in 89, 99.