Karun Nair became only the first Indian batsman to convert his maiden century into a triple century, after the heartbreak of opener KL Rahul’s dismissal for 199 as India took the first innings lead against England on the fourth day of the final Test against England on Monday. He will be the second Indian to make triple century in a test match after Sehwag.
Karun Nair, five short of the landmark at tea, struck Keaton Jennings to the cover fence for his 23rd boundary to reach the double hundred, raising the bat as the bat raced across the field. He also struck a six in his seven-and-half hour effort, facing 306 balls.
Karun Nair, who made his debut in the series after coming in as an injury replacement for Rohit Sharma, emulated Dilip Sardesai (200* vs New Zealand, 1965) and Vinod Kambli (224 v England, 1993), the other two Indian batsmen to achieve the feat.
West Indies legend Gary Sobers heads that list, with a world record 365 not out as a 21-year-old against Pakistan in 1958.
Karun Nair, 25, capped his superb effort, having anchored the innings first with Rahul in a 161-run fourth wicket partnership overnight. He added another century partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin for the sixth wicket to ensure India give themselves hope of victory despite a flat MA Chidambaram Stadium pitch.
