Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Gayle breaks new ground

Chris Gayle rewrote the record books on the fourth day at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St. John’s. The lanky West Indian opener became the first batsman in Test cricket history to score a triple-century against South Africa. Before Gayle, the record of playing highest individual innings against South Africa was held by Australia’s Don Bradman with an unbeaten 299 at Adelaide in 1931-32.

A total of 20 triple centuries have now been scored in Test cricket by 18 batsmen. The country-wise break-up : 6 for Australia,5 each for England and West Indies,2 for Pakistan and one each for Sri Lanka and India. Don Bradman and Brian Lara are the only batsmen to have done so twice.

Seven triple tons have been scored in the Caribbeans followed by England (6), Pakistan (3), Australia (2),New Zealand (1) and Sri Lanka (1), St. John’s is now at level with Leeds as the ground where most triple centuries (3) have been scored.Bridgetown and Kingston have seen two triple centuries apiece.
Highest scores against each country
Against Score Batsman For Venue Season
Australia 364 L Hutton Eng The Oval 1938
England 400* BC Lara WI St.John’s 2003-04
S.Africa 317 CH Gayle WI St.John’s 2004-05
W.Indies 337 Hanif Mohammad Pak Bridgetown 1957-58
N.Zealand 336* WR Hammond Eng Auckland 1932-33
India 340 ST Jayasuriya SL Colombo RP 1997-98
Pakistan 365* GStA Sobers WI Kingston 1957-58
Sri Lanka 299 MD Crowe NZ Wellington 1990-91
Zimbabwe 380 ML Hayden Aus Perth 2003-04
Bangladesh 261* RR Sarwan WI Kingston 2004