5 Instances where a triple century was denied by a declaration

5 Instances where a triple century was denied by a declaration: The 1st Test match between Australia and West Indies in December 2015 saw a remarkable partnership between Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh, who broke the world record for the highest 4th wicket partnership in Test cricket. While the latter was dismissed after scoring a sublime 182, the former remained not out at 269, just 31 short of a well-deserved triple century. Considering that time was never a factor as far as the Test match was concerned, considering the brisk pace the Aussies were scoring, Steve Smith’s decision to declare the innings when the veteran batsman was close to a triple century did raise a few eyebrows.

But this was not the first time a batsman was denied a triple century due to captain’s declaration. Here are some other instances where a triple century was denied due to captain’s declaration.

1. Stephen Fleming, 274* v Sri Lanka:

Stephen Fleming was perhaps one-of-a-kind player who was destined to lead New Zealand. A player with natural leadership capabilities, he was known to take brave decision and always kept the interest of the team ahead of an individual’s. And this instance, where Fleming was on the cusp of making a record-breaking triple century, he declared the innings just before the stumps of the second day. The decision holds merit, thanks to the fact that the Black Caps had batted for a marathon 175 overs and two complete days, but considering that Fleming declared despite having a chance of becoming the first ever triple centurion for New Zealand, it was truly a gentleman’s decision in the gentleman’s game; keeping the interest of the team ahead of his own.

2. Daryll Cullinan, 275* v New Zealand:

Daryll Cullinan was one of the batting mainstays of the South African team during the mid-90s, and he was this close of becoming the first ever South African to score a triple-century. But just after breaking the record of the highest ever score by a South African, which was then held by Graeme Pollock, captain Cronje declared the innings early in the third morning of the Test match. Though the declaration makes sense, considering that the South Africans had batted for a mammoth 200 overs, Cullinan could have been given an opportunity to overcome the magical 300 mark.

3. AB de Villiers, 278* v Pakistan:

South Africa had to wait for an agonizingly long time to gain a triple centurion, which came in the form of a classy 311 from Hashim Amla, it doesn’t mean none of them came close to the record. AB de Villers did come close to breaking the magical mark, but in a sense of Déjà vu, captain Graeme Smith declared the innings, leaving him stranded at 278. Considering that he was batting with a No. 11 batsman, chances of him reaching the mark wasn’t guaranteed. But nevertheless, Smith pulled a Cronje and declared the innings considering the interests of the team ahead of individual records.

4. Javed Miandad, 280* v India:

Javed Miandad always made merry against India, and this knock highlighted his abilities as a world-class batsman. Teaming up with opener Mudassar Nazar, the duo was involved in a record 451-run partnership. While Nazar ended up scoring 231, Miandad looked well poised for a triple. But surprisingly, Imran Khan declared at the end of the second day, denying the batsman a chance to score a triple. Though the decision made was logically apt, considering that there were still a few overs left to be bowled in the 2^nd day, but the decision fuelled the already on-the-brink rivalry between Imran Khan and Javed Miandad.

5. Peter May, 285*v West Indies:

Before VVS Laxman, it was Peter May. Widely considered as one of the greatest Test matches of all times, Peter May scripted an epic comeback after giving out a near 300 run first innings lead. Scoring 285*, May helped England put up a humongous 583 on board, but pushing for a victory on the 5^th day, he selflessly declared the innings 15 runs short of his personal milestone. And his personal sacrifice wasn’t in vain, as the bowlers bowled them to a memorable victory against the Windies.