Triple-ton Gayle blows away the Sri Lankans

Gayle became the fourth batsman to score two triple-centuries in Tests after Bradman, Sehwag and Lara.

GALLE: Chris Gayle became the first West Indies batsman to hammer a triple-century in an away Test, putting Sri Lanka under pressure in the opening Test.

Gayle made a career-best 333 as the tourists posted a massive 580 for nine declared in their first innings on the second day. Sri Lanka were 54 for one in reply at stumps, with debutant West Indies paceman Andre Russell dismissing Tillakaratne Dilshan with his second delivery in Test cricket.

Gayle also became only the fourth batsman to score two triple-centuries in Tests after Don Bradman, Virender Sehwag and Brian Lara. He was instrumental in frustrating Sri Lanka for a second successive day, adding 86 for the third wicket with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (32) and 167 for the next with Brendan Nash (64). Gayle, whose previous Test-best was 317 against South Africa in 2005, smashed nine sixes and 34 fours.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2010.