The question is asking about the record for the highest score in an innings in Test cricket before Brian Lara. The performances of these players have made them the record holders before Lara.

Option 1: Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, and Colin Cowdrey are all outstanding cricketers but they didn`t hold the record for the highest test score prior to Brian Lara. So, this option is incorrect.

Option 2: While Len Hutton, Peter May, and Vivian Richards are notable players, they also didn`t hold this specific record preceding Brian Lara. Hence, this option is not right.

Option 3: Matthew Hayden, Brian Lara, and Garry Sobers are indeed the players who held the record immediately before Brian Lara obtained it. First, it was Garry Sobers, then Brian Lara surpassed it, after that Matthew Hayden broke the record, and finally, Brian Lara reclaimed it. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Option 4: Bob Cowper, Bill Lawry, and Brian Lara too didn`t hold the highest test batting score before Brian Lara himself. This makes the option incorrect.