AFP

Mumbai, Dec 5: India opener Virender Sehwag said on Friday he was not disappointed after failing to score a world record third triple-century by seven runs.

"I am very happy I got at least 293 runs," said Sehwag after the third day's play in the final Test against Sri Lanka at the Brabourne stadium.

"I am proud of what I have achieved. Not many people have got two triple centuries and followed that with 293. So there is nothing to be disappointed about."

Sehwag had moved from his overnight score of 284 to 293 when he tapped a flighted ball from Muttiah Muralitharan back to the bowler who took the catch on second attempt.

A hush descended at the stadium where some 15,000 home fans had packed the stands anticipating a world record by the swashbuckling opener.

Sehwag returned to a warm applause for his 254-ball effort which was studded with 40 boundaries and seven sixes.

Sehwag's two triple centuries, matching Australian legend Don Bradman and West Indian great Brian Lara, were 309 against Pakistan in Multan in 2004 and 319 versus South Africa in Chennai last year.

"I tried to take my time, but maybe the ball was not there to be hit," he said. "I misjudged the length and the ball went straight into Murali's hands.

"I always tell myself to bat the full day, and if there is a ball to be hit, just hit it. If I'm able to bat the whole day we will be in a good position."

Sehwag's 293, a robust 100 not out from skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and a string of half-centuries by the middle order fired the hosts to their highest ever total of 726-9 declared in reply to Sri Lanka's 393.

The tourists, trailing by 333 runs on the first innings, were 11-0 in their second knock at stumps on the third day on a wearing track.

"Sri Lanka is a good team and they will play well, but the pitch is not going to be easy," said Sehwag. "At the same time, we will also need to be patient for our wickets."

Sri Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss paid warm tributes to Sehwag, saying Indians tended to under-rate his talent and achievements.

"He could be under-rated because of India has so many stars in their team like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and others.

"But we certainly do not take him lightly. It was his knock that took the game away from us.

"We should be able to bat well in the second innings because the wicket is not playing up. There is bound to be a bit of wear and tear on the last two days, but there is nothing alarming till now."

India lead the three-match series 1-0 after an innings and 144-run victory in the second Test in Kanpur last week.