Hayden smashes triple century against Zimbabwe

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MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia opener Matthew Hayden smashed a triple century in the first test against Zimbabwe in Perth on Friday, lifting the home side to a powerful 573 for five after lunch on the second day.

The left-hander resumed on his overnight score of 183 not out and raced to 271 at lunch with 31 fours and eight sixes.

Queenslander Hayden, who has hit six hundreds in his last 12 tests, had a previous highest score of 203 and possesses an excellent strike-rate of 15 centuries in his 45 tests.

He reached his 300 with a single to mid-off from the bowling of Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak. Hayden removed his baggy green cap and kissed it, raised his bat to the crowd and crossed himself.

Adam Gilchrist was 33 not out.

Hayden's score was the highest against Zimbabwe and the 31-year-old was also closing in on Australia's record of 334 shared by Mark Taylor and Don Bradman.

West Indies batsman Brian Lara holds the world test record of 375 against England in 1993-94.

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