New Delhi:
November 30 would have seen Phillip Hughes turn 31. However, the talented left-handed batsman died tragically on November 25, 2014 after being hit on the side of the neck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott in the Sheffield Shield game between New South Wales and South Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Hughes died three days later and his death resulted in plenty of grief. Since then, his birthday on November 30 is fondly and poignantly remembered by many of his cricket fans. However, David Warner has ensured Phillip Hughes birthday will be remembered as a record-breaking day in the annals of Australian cricket.
On day 2, Warner created history as he blasted his maiden triple century and broke a string of records to help Australia declare on 589/3 against Pakistan in the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide. The knock of 335* included 39 fours and one big six as Australia declared for the highest score achieved in the history of the Pink Ball Test. Warner became the first batsman to score a triple century at the Adelaide Oval. The previous best was an unbeaten 299* by Sir Don Bradman against South Africa in 1932.
Warner also became the second Australian to score a triple century in Tests in Australia after Matthew Hayden smashed 380 during the Perth Test against Zimbabwe in 2003. The left-hander also became the second Australian player after Mark Taylor to hit a triple ton against Pakistan. Mark Taylor had smashed 334 in 1998 at Peshawar. Warner also became the fourth batsmen after Sir Garfield Sobers, Virender Sehwag and Taylor to hit a triple ton against Pakistan in Tests.
However, when he blasted a six and a four off Mohammad Abbas, he went past Azhar Ali's tally of 302* which he hit in the Pink Ball Test in Dubai against West Indies to become the highest individual scorer in a Day Night match. When he nudged Iftikhar Ahmed for a single to take him to 335, Warner overhauled the highest individual score set by Bradman and Taylor. This was the second-highest individual score by an Australian in Tests and it was also the second highest against Pakistan behind Sobers' 365*.
Also Read | David Warner Slams Historic Triple Century In Pink Ball Test Vs Pakistan In Adelaide
With so many records shattered, Warner has not only ensured that the Ashes horrors are put to rest but also that Hughes has been given a fitting tribute on his birthday.
