In the company of Brian Lara and Chris Gayle: Amir Jangoo becomes only the third West Indies batsman…

Amir Jangoo joined Brian Lara and Chris Gayle in the record books after becoming only the third West Indian batsman to score a double century in a Test match against Sri Lanka. The milestone came during the first innings of the ongoing first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.The 28-year-old wicket-keeper batsman, who is playing only his second Test for the West Indies, reached his first double hundred while batting at No. 4. He needed 342 balls to reach the landmark and completed the double century with a single off the first ball of the 142nd over bowled by Sonal Dinusha.Jangoo had earlier scored a century on his ODI debut for the West Indies and his latest knock has now added another milestone to his international career.Brian Lara was the first West Indian batsman to score a double century against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. He made 221 off 354 balls during a Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from 29 November to 3 December 2001.Lara added another double century against Sri Lanka in June 2003 at Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, scoring 209 off 360 balls in the first innings.Chris Gayle later made one of the highest scores in Test cricket against Sri Lanka when he made 333 off 437 balls at Galle in November 2010.Gayle’s 333 remains the highest individual Test score against Sri Lanka. Apart from Gayle, only Pakistan’s Younis Khan has scored a triple century against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. The former Pakistan captain made 313 off 568 balls during the Test at the National Stadium, Karachi from 21-25 February 2009.Jangoo’s innings also helped West Indies build a strong position in the match. He and captain Roston Chase shared the highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket before the hosts declared their first innings at 626 for 9, taking a 318-run lead over Sri Lanka on day three.Sri Lanka had to negotiate four overs before stumps on Day 3. They lost opener Pathum Nissanko in the second over and ended the day at 15 for 1, still trailing by 303 runs. Kasun Rajitha was unbeaten on 4 while Nishan Madushka was not out on 2.