Gayle’s triple ton flattens Lankans

Chris Gayle was out for a career-best 333, one of Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis' six wickets before West Indies declared on 580-9 after tea on the second day Tuesday of the first Test.

Chris Gayle was out for a career-best 333, one of Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis' six wickets before West Indies declared on 580-9 after tea on the second day Tuesday of the first Test.

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Sri Lanka lost Tillakaratne Dilshan for a duck but recovered to 54-1 at the close. Captain Kumar Sangakkara struck seven boundaries for an unbeaten 33, while Tharanga Paranavitana was 10 not out. Gayle hit 34 boundaries and nine sixes in 437 balls before being bowled by Mendis, who finished with 6-169 from 59 overs. Offspinner Suraj Randiv picked up three wickets.

Gayle fell short of Brian Lara's world record of 400 but joined his former teammate, Donald Bradman and Virender Sehwag of India as the only players to score two triple-hundreds. It was the first triple-century by a West Indies player away from home.

Brief Score: West Indies 580-9 declared C. Gayle 333, A. Barath 50, Darren Bravo 58, B.Nash 64, A.Mendis 6-169