Sehwag hits fastest triple ton
Virender Sehwag compiled the fastest triple century in Test history in the first Test against South Africa in Chennai.
Sehwag, who hit 42 fours and five sixes on his way to 300 from just 278 balls, finished the third day unbeaten on 309 to equal his own record of the highest score by an Indian in a Test.
The 29-year-old became the third cricketer - and the first Indian - to record two triple hundreds after Sir Donald Bradman and Brian Lara.
Sehwag’s knock helped India reach 468 for one at stumps, 72 short of South Africa’s first-innings total of 540.
Rahul Dravid finished the day unbeaten on 65, but there was no doubt as to who was the star of the show.
“I am very pleased with my innings,” Sehwag said. “I had to focus a lot today because we had to get a total to get close to the South Africans.
"(Captain) Anil (Kumble) told me I had to take responsibility. I had to play my shots and maintain the run-rate. We did a great job.”
Sehwag, who was overlooked for last year’s series against Bangladesh and England, was particularly pleased to make an impact as he attempts to secure a permanent berth back in the side.
“It hurt when I was not in the team so I want to get back my seat,” he said.
Sehwag continued to dominate during the third day Buy this photo“I knew the wicket was so good, so true. The ball was coming onto the bat nicely. I tried to play my shots because I knew if I played my shots I could get a triple century today.”
All eyes will again be on Sehwag when the fourth day’s play gets under way, when he will look to pass his own Indian record Test score.
He still has some way to go to beat the world record of 400 not out posted by Brian Lara against England in Antigua in April 2004.
But, with the Test now seemingly destined to end in a draw, Kumble is likely to allow Sehwag to bat on.
Sehwag resumed play on Friday on 52 and immediately signalled his intent to attack the South Africa bowlers.
Makhaya Ntini ended day three with figures of 0-99 from 18 overs while Jacques Kallis (0-61 from 12) also went for more than five an over.
Sehwag dominated the morning’s play, ably supported by fellow opener Wasim Jaffer, as the home team reached 176 without loss at the first interval.
He continued to build on his innings after lunch, not letting a change of partner disrupt his flow one bit.
Paul Harris had Jaffer caught at first slip by Kallis for 73 in the 53rd over to bring to an end a 213-run opening partnership.
Dravid joined Sehwag in the middle and was more than content to play second fiddle as the opener registered his fourth double ton before tea.
The woes continued for the South Africa bowlers in the evening session as Sehwag and former captain Dravid continued to dish out the punishment.
Virender Sehwag cuts during his triple hundred against South Africa © Getty Images
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