Three batsmen who missed triple centuries due to captain’s declaration
Scoring runs in Test cricket certainly takes a lot of beating. While the red ball is much more lethal than the white one, bowlers have the liberty to be aggressive without thinking much about the scoring rate. Hence, a batter needs to showcase sheer patience, resilience, and mental grit to taste success in the purest format of the game. Although the challenge isn’t easy, several batters have cracked the nut in Test cricket.
There have been many players who have scored centuries and even double centuries. However, going to a triple ton is an altogether different challenge. Even if an individual manages to survive for long, he needs to keep with time to score 300 in an innings. Owing to the same, there have been only 31 instances of batsmen scoring 300 in a Test innings. Notably, some triple centuries were also denied due to the captain’s declarations.
Here we look at 3 Players who missed triple centuries due to captain’s declaration
AB de Villiers – 278
AB de Villiers played one of his finest knocks during the second Test of the 2010 Test series against Pakistan. De Villiers walked in at number five in the first innings and put up an exhibition of high-class batting. The likes of Umar Gul and Abdur Rehman looked utterly clueless as the South African star was scoring runs at will. His triple century also seemed a mere formality.
However, Proteas skipper Graeme Smith declared the innings with the scorecard reading 584/9. Hence, De Villiers remained stranded at 278. The game eventually resulted in a draw.
Javed Miandad – 280
Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad certainly had a love affair with Indian bowlers. One of his finest innings against the arch-rivals was witnessed in the fourth Test of the 1982-83 series. Coming to bat at number four, Miandad didn’t put a foot wrong and smashed Indian bowlers all over the Hyderabad stadium.
While he went past 100 and 200 without much hassle and his triple century also seemed on the cards. However, skipper Imran Khan declared the innings at 581/3. While Miandad walked back at 280, his side won the contest by an innings and 119 runs.
Peter May – 285
Former England captain Peter May showcased remarkable selflessness during the first Test of the West Indies’ 1957 tour of the UK. On a challenging Birmingham track, May batted with precision and toiled Caribbean bowlers in the third innings. While he tackled the challenging deliveries, the right-handed batter didn’t miss out on dispatching the loose ones over the ropes.
He could have easily slammed a triple ton. However, he shockingly declared while batting at 285. The game ended in a draw.
