Gayle aiming for 317 and beyond

GALLE, Sri Lanka (CMC):

Chris Gayle who hit a sensational double century as the West Indies reached an imposing total 362-2 on the opening day of the first Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium yesterday has his sights set on getting past his career-best 317.

The powerful left-hander hit the ball to all parts of the ground and batted all day to end on 219 not out off just 247 balls. It has been a thrilling knock by the 31-year-old who has so far smashed a record eight sixes and 26 fours.

"I'd love to get past 317. That would be a milestone. The pitch is an excellent one to bat on and I want to cash in. If I can get past the first hour tomorrow, anything is possible. I want to bat on. Before the tour, I was aware that the only three teams I had not scored Test centuries against were Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India, so now I have one against Sri Lanka," Gayle said.

When he reached his century, Gayle sat on the pitch, then fell flat on his back and then uttered words of delight.

He said: "I was shouting out in glory and joy. I was really happy."

It was Gayle's 13th Test century and sixth score over 150. His other big scores: 317 vs South Africa in Antigua; 204 vs New Zealand in Grenada; 197 vs New Zealand at Napier; 175 v Zimbabwe at Bulawayo; and 165 not out against Australia at Adelaide a year ago.

Gayle is two runs away from equalling Brian Lara's 221 - as the highest score by a West Indian against Sri Lanka. Gayle added 196 for the second wicket with debutant Darren Bravo - a record for West Indies against Sri Lanka and also a ground record. Earlier in the day he added 115 for the first wicket with Adrian Barath, who made 50 in his fifth Test innings.