Virender Sehwag was at his scintillating best on the opening day of the Multan Test against Pakistan.
Sehwag, who became the 15th Indian to score a double ton, took only 222 balls to do so. This is the fifth fastest double century in the history of Test cricket spanning 127 years and 1693 Tests.
The accompanying table lists the fastest double centuries in Test cricket. Interestingly, six of them have come in only last two years.
Fastest double centuries:
| Balls | Batsman (Score) | Countries | Venue | Season |
| 153 | NJ Astle (222) | NZ v Eng | Christchurch | 2001-02 |
| 211 | HH Gibbs (228) | SA v Pak | Cape Town | 2002-03 |
| 212 | AC Gilchrist (204*) | Aus v SA | Johannesbrug | 2001-02 |
| 220 | IT Botham (208) | Eng v Ind | The Oval | 1982 |
| 222 | V Sehwag (228*) | Ind v Pak | Multan | 2003-04 |
| 229 | PA de Silva (206) | SL v BD | Colombo PSS | 2002-03 |
| 231 | GP Thorpe (200*) | Eng v NZ | Christchurch | 2001-02 |
| 232 | CG Greenidge (214*) | WI v Eng | Lord's | 1984 |
| 240 | CH Lloyd (242*) | WI v Ind | Mumbai | 1974-75 |