Karun Nair became the first Indian cricketer to convert his maiden Test into a triple century
.NEW DELHI : Karun Nair today became only the second Indian batsman to score a triple century in a Test match, when he achieved the distinction on the fourth day of the fifth and final Test against England in Chennai. He joined the one and only Virender Sehwag, who has the distinction of reaching the landmark twice.
Nair, who plays for Karnataka in the domestic circuit, is only playing his third Test, having made his debut against England in the third Test of this series in Mohali.He represents Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.
Nair’s milestone comes at the same place where Sehwag scored an amazing 319 against South Africa. The Delhi Dasher also has a triple century against Pakistan.Karun’s knock included 32 fours and four sixes. At the time of India’s declaration, he remained unbeaten on 303 runs.
Before this knock in Chennai, Nair had failed to make an impact in the series. Hence there was a lot of pressure on him coming into this final Test.This innings in Chennai will boost Nair’s confidence, especially since he arrived at the crease when India had lost Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.
On Sunday, Nair and KL Rahul (199) led India’s reply to England’s 477 first innings total with a 161-run stand.England skipper Alastair Cook rotated his bowlers on the flat pitch at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium in an attempt to apply pressure to the batsmen.India have already secured the five-Test series and hold an unassailable 3-0 lead. (With inputs from AFP)
With the brilliant knock, Nair became the only second Indian cricketer after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Test cricket. Sehwag has two centuries to his name.
List of highest maiden hundreds by batsmen:
Gary Sobers from West Indies (365*)
Robert Simpson from Australia (311*)
Karun Nair from India (303*)
Reginald Foster from England (287*)
Brian Lara from West Indies (277*)
