“Today’s kid might score 400 if they play that many balls” – Virender Sehwag impressed with evolution of Test cricket
Former India swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag has backed youngsters to equal West Indies legend Brain Lara’s record of 400 runs in Tests. Sehwag stated that he took 270-odd balls to reach one of his triple centuries, which would be enough to get 400 in the current era.
For the unversed, Sehwag is only among four batters to score two triple centuries. He scored 309 off 375 balls against Pakistan and 319 off 304 deliveries against South Africa in 2004 and 2008, respectively. Lara has the highest individual score of unbeaten 400 in Tests. The left-hander took 582 balls during his marathon knock against England in 2004.
Sehwag, who will serve as brand ambassador of the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL), told PTI on Friday (via The Times of India):
“If anyone develops an aggressive game that can suit Test cricket, then why not? After all, we would like people to come and watch Tests. Was it good or bad? I scored a triple ton in 270-odd balls. Today's kid might score 400 if they play that many balls.”
The 45-year-old reaction came as he spoke about the evolution of Test cricket, where batters tend to play an aggressive brand of cricket in an era dominated by T20 cricket. He said:
"The manner in which England is playing Test cricket, scoring at five runs an over. In our playing days, Australia used to score at 4 runs per over. I have always believed that if you can attack, then you give your team more chances to win the Test matches."
“DPL gives you that opportunity” – Virender Sehwag feels Delhi Premier League will help players earn Indian Premier League contracts
Virender Sehwag further lauded DPL, calling it a great platform for players to prove their worth to earn contracts in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He added that his elder son is keen to make use of the opportunity:
"Look, my elder son is 17 and he played three-day cricket for Delhi U16 but there are a lot of boys who might be waiting for that opportunity. When we were 18, there was no IPL. But, now, a youngster might think of playing IPL, and DPL gives you that opportunity.”
Sehwag has two sons Aryavir and Vedant born in 2007 and 2010, respectively.