When a batsman scores 300 runs or more in one innings of Test cricket, it is said that a Test Triple Century has been done. 19 different batsmen have achieved this feat on 22 occasions. In 1930, when the West Indies hosted its first Test series, Andy Sandham of England scored the first Test triple century.
Multiple Test triple centuries
There are just three batsmen who have scored a Test triple century more than once. These are Donald Bradman of Australia, Brian Lara of West Indies and Virender Sehwag of India. In 1932, while playing against South Africa, Bradman was unbeaten on 299, but the No. 11 batsman was run out for no score.
Fastest triple centuries
In 2007-08, Virender Sehwag of India, while scoring 309 not out reached his Test triple century in 278 deliveries at Chennai. Till date this is the fastest Test triple century. In 1932-33, it is estimated that Wally Hammond of England scored his triple century in 355 deliveries at Auckland and further reached a score of 336 not out. The third fastest Test triple century was scored by Matthew Hayden of Australia in 2003-04 at Perth, which he completed in 362 deliveries and further scored 380. The fourth fastest Test century was scored by Virender Sehwag in 364 deliveries. During this innings he reached 309 runs at Multan in 2003-04. Brian Lara has scored the fifth fastest century, when he scored 375 at St. John’s in 2003-04. He completed the triple century in 404 deliveries.
Highest score
Brian Lara scored his second Test Triple century in 2004 while playing against England. His knock of 400 not out is the highest score in Test cricket.
| Batsman | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 400 not out |
| Matthew Hayden | Australia | 380 |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 375 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 374 |
| Garfield Sobers | West Indies | 365 not out |
| Len Hutton | England | 364 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 340 |
| Hanif Mohammad | Pakistan | 337 |
| Wally Hammond | England | 336 not out |
| Mark Taylor | Australia | 334 not out |
| Donald Bradman | Australia | 334 |
| Graham Gooch | England | 333 |
| Inzaman-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 329 |
| Andy Sandham | England | 325 |
| Virender Sehwag | India | 319 |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | 317 |
| Bob Simpson | Australia | 311 |
| John Edrich | England | 310 not out |
| Virender Sehwag | India | 309 |
| Bob Cowper | Australia | 307 |
| Donald Bradman | Australia | 304 |
| Lawrence Rowe | West Indies | 302 |