Triple Century, Meaningless?

Rob Steen certainly thinks so, he's titled his latest article

The greatest insignificant innings

The first test between South Africa and India ended in a pretty tame draw and the only exciting part was probably Sehwags triple ton. Was it an innings of any significance though?

Rob casts his beady eye over the result

Ultimately, though, its status is diminished, albeit through no fault of the maker, by the context, ie. its impact on the match result.

I would say Sehwag's triple ton DID have an effect on the match, as only he and Dravid scored some runs, India would be looking at a heavy defeat after SA put up 540 first up. I know it is possible that one of Laxman, Ganguly and Tendulkar might have got some runs if India were in a more precarious position, but how do we know that?

I can not see how replying to a massive 1st innings total and posting over half the runs by yourself in reply is anything but significant.

Fear not! Rob Steen has some examples of what a significant innings is though. I've picked the first one to compare.

Atherton's 185 at the Wandereres in 1995

Opening Batsman? - Yes!

Rearguard action preventing defeat? - Yes!

Scoring a big ton? - Yes!

Responsible for over 50% of your teams runs? - Yes!

Playing against a great SA pace attack? - Yes!

Completely fucking different, obviously Athers was more significant.


Triple tons against an attack containing the best pace bowler in the world? Insignificant?