Virender Sehwag missed a world record third triple-century by seven runs as Sri Lanka hit back on the third morning of the final Test against India here on Friday.
India, resuming at 443-1 in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 393, lost two important wickets in the first session to go to lunch on the third day at 536-3 at the Brabourne stadium.
Sachin Tendulkar was unbeaten on 48 and Venkatsai Laxman was on 22 with India leading by 143 runs with seven wickets in hand.
Sehwag moved from his overnight score of 284 to 293 when he tapped a flighted ball from Muttiah Muralitharan back to the bowler who took the catch on his second attempt.
A hush descended at the stadium where some 15 000 home fans had packed the stands anticipating a world record by the swashbuckling opener.
Sehwag returned to a warm applause for his 254-ball effort which was studded with 40 boundaries and seven sixes.
Off-spinner Muralitharan’s first success after 21 overs which cost 124 runs broke a second-wicket stand of 237 between Sehwag and Rahul Dravid that had lifted India to 458-2.
Sehwag’s two triple centuries, matching Australian legend Don Bradman and West Indian great Brian Lara, were 309 against Pakistan in Multan in 2004 and 319 versus South Africa in Chennai last year.
Dravid fell soon after for 74, edging a wild drive off seamer Chanka Welegedara to wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene to make it 487-3.
Dravid, who survived a confident appeal for a catch at the wicket off Rangana Herath earlier in the morning, hit five boundaries and a six.
Sri Lanka claimed the second new ball after 104 overs but failed to dislodge Tendulkar or Laxman before lunch.
India lead the three-match series 1-0 after an innings and 144-run victory in the second Test in Kanpur last week. — AFP
