Galle, Nov. 16: 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 on Tuesday.
The former captain made a career-best 333 as the West Indies posted a massive 580-9 declared in their first innings on the second day at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka were 54-1 in reply at stumps, with debutant West Indies paceman Andre Russell dismissing Tillakaratne Dilshan with his second delivery in Test cricket.
Skipper Kumar Sangakkara (33) and Tharanga Paranavitana (10) were the not-out batsmen at the close. Gayle, 31, also became only the fourth batsman to score two triple-centuries in Tests after Australian Don Bradman, India’s Virender Sehwag and West Indies’ Brian Lara. “Taking early wickets (on Wednesday) will be the key,” said West Indies vice-captain Brendan Nash.
“I think we are on top at the moment. We have a young bowling attack and Sri Lanka are used to scoring big totals, so we’ll have to stick to our game plan. I think spin will play a big part. It was disappointing to lose wickets in the end, but (Sri Lankan spinner) Ajantha Mendis bowled really well,” Nash said.
Gayle was instrumental in frustrating Sri Lanka for a second successive day with his superb knock, adding 86 for the third wicket with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (32) and 167 for the next with Nash (64).
Gayle, whose previous Test-best was 317 against South Africa at home in 2005, smashed nine sixes and 34 fours in his marathon 437-ball knock. Batting with a runner due to cramp after achieving his career-best score, Gayle also helped the West Indies post their highest Test total against Sri Lanka, surpassing 477-9 declared in St Lucia in 2003.
Gayle batted for more than five sessions before falling in the evening, bowled by unorthodox spinner Mendis. Mendis finished with 6-169 for his third haul of five or more wickets in a Test innings.
Brief scores: West Indies 580 for 9 decl (Chris Gayle 333; Ajantha Mendis 6/169) vs Sri Lanka 54 for 1 (Kumar Sangakkara 33 batting).