ST JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC:
WEST INDIES opener Chris Gayle admitted that he had the world record of 400 on his mind but said he was not disappointed that he failed to achieve the feat after scoring a career-best 317 against South Africa on the fourth day of the fourth and final Test match at the Antigua Recreation Ground.
"I was looking forward to setting a milestone again by getting 400 but unfortunately it didn't happen," Gayle explained.
"I was trying to get as close as possible but these things do happen. I can't complain. I'm happy with what I finished with.
"It was my first triple century and I'm very proud of myself. I have never scored a triple century in any cricket at all."
He added: "I didn't know about any other record except for the 400. I didn't know how many records I broke. I was trying to bat as long as possible for the entire day today."
BENCHMARK
Gayle set a new benchmark for individual scores against South Africa, eclipsing the late Sir Don Bradman's 299 not out at Adelaide in the 1931-32 series.
He joined Brian Lara (400 and 375 vs England in 1994 and 2004 in Antigua, Sir Garfield Sobers (365 vs Pakistan in 1959 in Jamaica) and Lawrence Rowe (302 vs England in 1974) as the only West Indians to hit triple centuries.
In all, Gayle's was the 20th triple century in Test history and first since Virender Sehwag's 309 for India against Pakistan last year.
Asked about surpassing Sir Viv Richards' 291 and Lawrence Rowe's 302, Gayle replied: "You called two big names. It's good to be among those run-getters. I'm looking forward to the future and hopefully things will get better from here on."
WEST INDIES TRIPLE CENTURY MAKERS:
B Lara, 400v England in Antigua in 2004
B Lara, 375 v England in Antigua in 1994
G Sobers, 365 v Pakistan in Jamaica in 1958
C Gayle, 317 v South Africa in Antigua in 2005
L Rowe, 302 v England in Barbados in 1974
