Virender Sehwag scored a brilliant 309 not-out in the 1st test between India and South Africa on day 3. He batted under hot and humid conditions to equal his previous record of 309 against Pakistan.
The reason for motivation were - "It felt bad to have been left out. I wanted to prove I belong at this level..." What a man!!
Adversity brings out the best in great sportsmen - While he was dropped from the Indian team in both forms of the game, his father passed away. This knock of 309 would surely mean more to Sehwag than his previous one!
At 95, he tried to go for a six to score his century and he failed, he could only manage a 4 as the ball didn't clear the ropes!!
Undeterred, at 99 he whacked the next ball over the top to still score his century with a six... in style! (Now, thats the way to do it, Sachin!)
Only the 3rd player in the world to score a double triple century along with two other cricketing greats - Sir Don Bradman and Brian Lara, Sehwag's feat exceeds theirs because he scored his in 278 balls - the fastest 300 ever !!
"This one of the best I have ever seen. We tried everything to contain him. But he countered us. He was unbelievable today. We were beaten by a champion player" - South African Coach Mickey Arthur said.
Sehwag is not content - He has already thrown himself a challenge - "I can surpass Lara's record of 400 runs"
Can he do it?
With a strike rate of over 100 and having scored 309, his magnificent knock has put India firmly in control of this test-match for the moment!
Way to go Sehwag! We need more lion-hearted players like you !!