Australia opener David Warner (335*) hit a rare Test triple century during the second match of the series against Pakistan in Adelaide on Saturday, joining an elite group of players to reach the milestone.
The 33-year-old brought up the mark with a boundary off Mohammad Abbas, smashing 37 fours in the near-faultless 389-ball innings.
Warner is the first player since India’s Karun Nair made 303 not out in 2016 against England to reach the magical mark and he joins an elite club, including Azhar Ali who is captaining Pakistan in the current series.
The opener’s heroics in Adelaide followed his 154 in the first Test at Brisbane last week – his first Test century since a year-long ban for ball-tampering.
It has been a big turnaround for the former Australian vice-captain, who managed just 95 runs in 10 innings during this year’s Ashes series in England.
Skipper Tim Paine waved his players back into the pavilion at 589/3 ahead of the second day’s dinner break with Warner on the 10th highest Test score ever, also a personal best.
The decision to declare deprived him of a crack at Brian Lara’s all-time high 400 not out created a debate among cricket fans especially with the Australian bowlers quickly tearing through Pakistan’s hapless top order under the Adelaide Oval lights.
Here are some reactions:
Historic knock
Welcome to the Triple club, @davidwarner31 - Top stuff 👍🏿
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) November 30, 2019
Insanely good! 💪
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 30, 2019
335* for David Warner! 🙌@bet365_aus | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/qEaVup8XIw
An extraordinary innings from Warner. Hardly played down the ground & scored more than half his runs through point & covers region. Only 3.6% runs came in the 'V' down the wicket. Of all double hundreds in our database since 2006, this is the lowest in the straight 'V'. #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/tQWD4S5EGU
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) November 30, 2019
David Warner 335*:
— Fox Sports Lab (@FoxSportsLab) November 30, 2019
- Highest score in a Test @TheAdelaideOval; passing Sir Don Bradman's 299* v RSA in 1932
- 2nd highest score by an Australian in Tests; 380 by Matthew Hayden v ZIM at Perth in 2003
- 2nd highest score by any batsman in Tests against Pakistan#AUSvPAK 🇦🇺
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from a indomitable will. (Mahatma Gandhi) It’s not important what other people believe about you. It’s only important what you believe about yourself. @davidwarner31 #335notout pic.twitter.com/Vlg9NVktj0
— Candice Warner (@CandyFalzon) November 30, 2019
You know what’s really, really easy? Sitting on the couch and belittling an innings because it’s at home, or against a team that’s struggling, or not in an Ashes series.
— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) November 30, 2019
You know what’s really, really bloody hard? Making a Test triple-century, ever, against anyone.#AUSvPAK
David Warner (335*) now has the highest score in a Day/Night First-Class game.
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) November 30, 2019
Previous record: Dean Jones (324*) for Victoria against South Australia at Melbourne in 1995#AUSvPAK #AUSvsPAK
Highest Test individual scores.
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) November 30, 2019
400* - Lara
380 - Hayden
375 - Lara
374 - Mahela
365* - Sobers
364 - Hutton
340 - Sanath
337 - Hanif
336* - Hammond
335* - Warner
*David Warner's 335* 10th highest Test individual score in 142-year Test cricket history. @davidwarner31 #Cricket
Tim Paine’s decision
#AUSvPAK
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) November 30, 2019
Yeah Tim Paine, going for a win is very noble.
But think about it - Pakistan batting, pink ball, and 3 days left.
Surely you could have let David Warner try for the 400.
Genuinely surprised that Australia didn't let Warner go for 400/500. So much time left in the match and they won't have to bat again.
— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) November 30, 2019
DA Warner 335 (418) b WT Championship#AUSvPAK
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) November 30, 2019
Big decision by Tim Paine to declare with Warner approaching Lara’s world record score of 400. This is most admirable aspect of Aussie cricket: personal milestones secondary to team interest. Warner must rest content at getting past Bradman’s highest score. In itself huge!
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 30, 2019
Seeing Pakistan bat, I think Tim Paine despite rain threats in the next few days at Adelaide may well have overreacted & prematurely declared denying David Warner a possible world record. An hour was required by Warner. Team first perception of Australia is commendable.
— Dr. Nauman Niaz (@DrNaumanNiaz) November 30, 2019
Tim Paine crushed once in a lifetime opportunity for any player.
— Shanawaz (@shanawazralam) November 30, 2019
If David Warner stayed there for 10-11 odd over he could have easily surpassed Brain Lara record.
#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/dNaaL45KXG
Tim Paine in Australia as a captain: 232 runs
— TUSHAR 🇮🇳🏏 (@mainlycricket) November 30, 2019
David Warner today: 335 runs#AUSvPAK
Doesn't get much more Warner than passing the ~sacred~ 334 but not then having a dart at 380/400. I love it. #AUSvPAK https://t.co/PmYgJZKp46
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) November 30, 2019
(With AFP inputs)