Record eight centuries scored in historic test match

Chris Gayle’s triple century in the drawn Test at Antigua Recreation Ground last Tuesday, was just one of the hallmark of runs feast which saw eight centuries being scored in a drawn out fourth and final test. Gayle hit 317, in the innings of 747. Captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan 127 added to the three figure list, as well as Trindadian Dwayne Bravo who put his name in the century column. {{more}}

But the spotlight did not belong to the Windies. South Africa declared at 588 for 6, on the third morning, confident that they could run through the fragile West Indies batting order.

The pitch played a great party in the run fest and with the series already won 2:0 the South Africans simply enjoyed their tour. After all it was no embarrassment for them, though they might have been contemplating a three nil margin.Jacques Kallis 147, Ashwell Prince 131, Graeme Smith 126 and AB de Villiers 114 contributed to the feast.

The number of centuries, a world record eight, highlighted the benign nature of the pitch where wicket taking was difficult. The ground has been a haven for batsmen underlined by the fact that two records have been established there. And for the most part of Monday’s play, focus was on whether Chris Gayle could register the third.

When he was dismissed, it was an anti-climax. West Indian fans would have been only too pleased to see another historic achievement. But alas it was not to be. But the runs machine was in full operation, and for his effort, Chris Gayle was named man of the match.