Cricket: Windies' Gayle hits triple century

Chris Gayle scored a magnificent 317 as the West Indies reached 565 for five at stumps on the penultimate day of the final cricket test against South Africa today.


Gayle's epic innings was the highest score made against South Africa, surpassing Australian Donald Bradman's 299 not out, in Adelaide in 1931-32.


Shivnarine Chanderpaul was 82 not out with Dwayne Bravo on 10 at the close in reply to South Africa's first innings of 588 for six declared.


Gayle followed West Indian triple centurions Garfield Sobers, Lawrence Rowe and Brian Lara into the record books.


His innings was the fourth highest by a West Indian, and the 14th highest in test history.


Gayle's previous highest score was 204 against New Zealand in Grenada in 2002.


The left-handed opener faced 483 balls and hit 34 fours and three sixes before he was caught by Graeme Smith off the bowling of Monde Zondeki.


South Africa have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-test series.


- REUTERS