Gundappa Ranganath Viswanath, the Indian Mastero, was the first batsman in the annals of test cricket to score a “Double Nelson” – 222. He scored this magical figure against England at Chepauk, Madras in Jan 1982. This record stood for 20 years and two months untouched, till NJ Astle of New Zealand scored 222 against England at Christchurch in Mar 2002. As on date, there are five ‘Double Nelsons’ in a test innings which includes the knocks of GR Viswanath and NJ Astle. The other three are – 222* by JA Rudolph of South Africa vs Bangladesh at Chittagong in Apr 2003, 222 by R Dravid of India vs New Zealand at Ahmedabad in Oct 2003 and 222* by KC Sangakkara of Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh at Kandy in Jul 2007

Though GR Viswanath’s 222 has been emulated by four more batsmen, including an Indian batsman in R Dravid, the number of boundary fours hit during the knock of 222 still rests with GR Viswananth. His knock contaned 31 boundary fours which still stands as a record

To sum up, India is the only country to have two batsmen with Double Nelson – 222 – GR Viswnanath and R Dravid – who have carved a niche for themselves in the international arena