Gayle scores triple century to put the WI on top

Former West Indies captain Chris Gayle scored his second triple century in test cricket on Tuesday as the West Indies reached 580 for 9 declared on day two of the first test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.

Gayle increased his overnight 219 to 333 from 437 balls, hitting 34 fours and nine sixes.

Gayle, who survived two close calls including the first delivery of the day, completed a 162 run fourth wicket stand with fellow Jamaican Brendan Nash who made 64.

Adrian Barath scored 50, and debutante Darren Bravo 58.

Overnight batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who resumed on 20, was dismissed for 32.

However, despite Gayle's heroics, the West Indies lost six wickets for 21 runs, before declaring at 580 for 9.

Carlton Baugh on his return to test cricket was left not out on 8.

The hosts reached 54-1 before bad light ended play with Kumar Sangakkara on 33 and Tharanga Paranavitana, 10.

Jamaica's Andre Russell, on debut, took the wicket of Tillakaratne Dilshan for a duck.

It was the first triple-century by a West Indies player away from home, the highest by any player in tests between the two nations, and the first triple hundred at Galle International Stadium.

West Indies also went past its highest total against Sri Lanka; 477-9 declared in St Lucia in 2003.

Gayle is also in the distinguished company of Donald Bradman of Australia, Brian Lara of the West Indies and Virender Sehwag of India to become only the fourth player to score two triple-hundreds.

Gayle's previous highest score was 317 set against South Africa.

He was delighted with his knock and the application of the Barath and Bravo.

"I started a bit slow, the new ball did a bit but I tried hanging in there and eventually I got the start as you need to capitalize on wickets like these. I'm happy with the triple century but I'm not going to take away the fact that the tow youngsters batted really well. I must say well done to Barath and Bravo," he said.