India's Virender Sehwag hits fastest Test 300

Indian opener Virender Sehwag has struck his second career triple century on day three of the first Test against South Africa in Chennai.

• Scoreboard: India v South Africa

The 29-year-old Sehwag, who made 309 against Pakistan at Multan in 2004, became only the third player to achieve the feat of two triple hundreds, matching Australian Don Bradman and West Indies batsman Brian Lara.

Indian were battling back after South Africa recorded a first innings total of 540, Hashlim Amla their top scorer with 159.

Sehwag dominated the morning's play, supported by fellow opener Wasim Jaffer, as the home team reached 176 without loss at lunch. That became 309-1 at tea, although Paul Harris had Jaffer caught at first slip by Jacques Kallis for 73 in the 53rd over to bring to an end a 213-run opening partnership.

Rahul Dravid joined Sehwag in the middle and was more than content to play second fiddle as the opener posted his fourth Test double century. The landmark triple hundred came shortly before the close and was the fastest in Test history, Sehwag having faced 278 deliveries in which he had struck 41 fours and five sixes.

India closed the day on 468-1, with Sehwag still unbeaten on 309 and Dravid 65 not out off 181 balls.

Two triple hundreds Don Bradman 334 – Australia v England, Headingley, 1930, 304 – Australia v England, Headingley, 1934Brian Lara 400 no – West Indies v England, Antigua, 2003-04, 375 – West Indies v England, Antigua, 1993-94 Virender Sehwag309 – India v Pakistan, Multan, 2003-04, 309 no – India v South Africa, Chennai, 2007-08 Fastest triple century (balls faced) 278 – V Sehwag, India v South Africa, Chennai, 2007-08 362 – M L Hayden, Australia v Zimbabwe, Perth, 2003-04 355 – W R Hammond, England v New Zealand, Auckland, 1932-33 (estimated balls)