GALLE, Sri Lanka, CMC – Chris Gayle has underscored the value of his preparation for the tour of Sri Lanka, following his monumental second Test triple-hundred yesterday.
Gayle became only the fourth batsman to have scored two triple-hundreds, as West Indies declared on 580 in their first innings on fthe second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
The West Indies opener hit 333 to join the late Don Bradman, Brian Lara, and Virender Sehwag, as the only players to have scored more than one triple-hundred.
“The conditions here are not easy to bat in with the heat and that takes a lot out of you,” said Gayle.
“I was working hard even before I got here at the camp in Barbados, and even when I was with the Jamaica team before we entered the camp. I have been working extremely hard, and I got some reward [for it].”
Gayle broke a slew of landmark with his triple-hundred, including the highest Test score by a West Indian outside the Caribbean, the highest Test score against Sri Lanka, the highest Test score at Galle, and the highest Test score by a West Indian against Sri Lanka.
“It was not easy,” he said. “It was hard work out there, but I enjoyed it. 333. . .I’m very happy to achieve another major milestone.
“I want to say thanks to the guys who supported me, and batted so well alongside me. At one stage the bat started to get quite heavy in my hand, but the others were telling me to just carry-on, stay out there, and get as many as I could.”
Gayle dedicated the innings to long-suffering West Indies fans, whom he expected would have been thrilled by his batting.
“I am smiling because I know the people of the West Indies are smiling,” he said.
“I am happy that by my batting can bring happiness to the people, and give them something about which to cheer.
He said: “People back home are following the cricket very closely, and it is good that they can start the day with some good news.
“A lot of people have been sending me congratulatory notes, and I want to thank them for their support, not just for me, but for the team as well.”
West Indies hold a lead of 526 entering the third day, after the Sri Lankans reached 54 for one when bad light stopped play early.
