16 Nov 2010

Gayle scores double ton in Sri Lanka

5:57 am on 16 November 2010

The West Indies opener Chris Gayle hammered an unbeaten double century as the tourists raced to an imposing 362 for 2 on the opening day of the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Gayle clubbed eight sixes and 26 fours in his 219 not out off 247 balls for his 13th Test ton and first in the sub-continent.

Gayle's score was also his best in an away Test, surpassing 197 against New Zealand at Napier in 2008, and his second-highest overall after his triple-century against South Africa at home in 2005.

Gayle says he's now eyeing his career-best score of 317.

Sri Lanka, playing their first Test series after the retirement of match-winning spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, struggled for success and grabbed just two wickets in three sessions.