India declared record 759/7 after Nair triple ton

Nair has now become only the second Indian to score a triple ton after opener Sehwag, who has two triple tons to his name.

Chennai: Riding on Karun Nair's breath-taking unbeaten triple ton, India declared their first innings at a mammoth 759/7 and took a 282-run lead against England in their fifth and final cricket Test here on Monday.

This is India's highest score against any opponent surpassing the previous best of 726/9 declared against Sri Lanka in 2009.

Playing only his third Test, the 25-year-old Nair forged three major partnerships -- 161 for fourth wicket with Lokesh Rahul (199) -- 181 for the sixth wicket with Ravichandran Ashwin (67) and then 138 for the seventh wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (51) -- to take India to the record total at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here.

Nair has now become only the second Indian batsman to score a triple ton after swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag, who has two triple tons to his name.

India eventually declared on 759-7 - their highest Test total and the highest made by anyone against England.

The tourists, who have already lost the series, survived five overs to close 12-0, still 270 behind.

Their task on Tuesday should be helped be a surface that remains docile, but India's skilful spinners are likely to extract much greater assistance than England's.

Not only do England face an examination of their technique, but their mentality, determination and attitude on the final day of a gruelling tour.

Brief scores
England - 477 (Ali 146, Root 88, Dawson 66*, Rashid 60, Jadeja 3-106) and 12 for 0
India - 759 for 7 dec (Nair 303*, Rahul 199, Patel 71, Ashwin 67, Jadeja 51)
Status - England trail by 270 runs