Gayle enters the record books

Chris Gayle’s epic 333 against Sri Lanka at Galle now holds the record for the highest individual score by a West Indian outside the Caribbean.{{more}}

The triple century surpassed Sir Vivian Richards’ 291 against England at The Oval in 1976.

The innings also marks Gayle’s highest individual score, surpassing his 317 against South Africa at the Antigua Recreation Ground in 2005.

Gayle’s 333 is the fifth highest overseas score by any batsman, falling behind Hanif Mohammad’s 337 versus West Indies at Kensington Oval in 1958; Wally Hammond’s 336 not out against New Zealand at Eden Park in 1933; Mark Taylor’s 334 not out versus Pakistan at Arbab Niaz Stadium in 1998 and Sir Donald Bradman’s 334 against England at Headingley in 1930.

The other overseas triple centurions are Andy Sandham (325 v West Indies at Sabina Park in 1930), Bob Simpson (311 v England at Old Trafford in 1964), Virender Sehwag (309 v Pakistan at Multan Stadium in 2004) and Bradman’s 304 (v England also at Headingley in 1934).

Gayle’s historic innings also set a record for the highest individual score at Galle (topping Mahela Jayawardene’s 237), the highest score by a West Indian against Sri Lanka (surpassing Brian Lara’s 221) and the highest score by any batsman against Sri Lanka (bettering Younis Khan’s 313).

Gayle is only one of four men in the history of Test cricket to have scored two triple centuries, the other three being world record holder Lara (400 and 375), Bradman (334 and 304) and Sehwag (319 and 309).

Gayle is only one of four West Indians to have scored triple centuries (Lara, Sir Garfield Sobers and Lawrence Rowe being the others). His landmark innings is the fourth highest score by a West Indian following Lara’s 400 and 375 and Sobers’ 365 not out..