Top 3 performances of Virender Sehwag in Tests

Virender Sehwag, the dashing India opener, was born on this day, October 20, in 1978. Sehwag made 8586 runs at an average of 49.34 in 104 Tests, including 23 centuries and 32 fifties, with the highest score of 319. He also took 40 wickets with the best bowling figures of 5/104.

Here are the Top 3 performances of Virender Sehwag in Tests:

3. 293 vs Sri Lanka, Brabourne, 2009

Sehwag nearly became the first batter in Test history to score three triple centuries, but fell agonisingly short of the milestone when India and Sri Lanka clashed in the third Test in Brabourne in 2009 series. Kumarn Sangakkara won the toss and chose to bat first, posting 393 with Tillakaratne Dilshan scoring 109 and Angelo Mathew making 99. Harbhajan Singh took four wickets for India.

In response, India posted a mighty 726/9d. Murali Vijay began well with 87, but it was Sehwag show all along. Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman all scored fifties and MS Dhoni made 100*. But Sehwag’s 293 in 254 balls with 40 fours and seven sixes that stole the show. He hammered the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the Brabourne Stadium. But one risk proved to be too many as he was caught and bowled by Muralitharan seven runs short of his third Test triple.

2. 319 vs South Africa, Chennai, 2008

India and South Africa met in Chennai in 2008. South Africa won the toss and batted first, posting 540 with Hashim Amla leading the way with 154 even as Harbhajan Singh took a fifer. However, when India batted, they hammered the Proteas bowling to all parts of the Chepauk ground.

Wasim Jaffer made 73 and Rahul Dravid made 111, as they batted around Virender Sehwag, who made merry on a batting friendly pitch. He hammered 319, his second triple ton, putting him level with Sir Don Bradman, Chris Gayle and Brian Laram with batters with two triple tons in Tests. Sehwag stroked 42 fours and five sixes in his knock as he enthralled the fans with a masterclass in batting. He was fluent against pace and punished the South African spinners at will.   

1. 309 vs Pakistan, Multan, 2004

Virender Sehwag scripted history when Pakistan played India in the first of the three Tests in 2004. This was a historic tour as India visited their neighbours for the first time since 1989. Rahul Dravid won the toss and chose to bat first and Sehwag added 160 runs for the first wicket, of which Aakash Chopra scored only 42. 

Then Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar (194*) belted the Pakistani bowlers, including Shoaib Akhtar, as Sehwag made merry on a road of a pitch. He became the first Indian ever to score a triple ton in tests. He made 309 with 39 fours and six sixes. It was a knock that elevated Sehwag’s stature in Test cricket further as India went onto win the Test by an innings and 52 runs. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

For more exclusive updates, visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your favorite remarkable cricket players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!