Virender Sehwag sets the pace

By Sanjay Rajan

MUMBAI (Reuters) - After hitting the seventh fastest century in one-day cricket, Virender Sehwag goes into India's test series against New Zealand carrying a reputation as the world's most destructive batsman.

"He's now very much in a class of his own and is easily the most destructive player in the game today," New Zealand batting great Martin Crowe wrote in Mumbai tabloid Mid Day.

"Given his innings in test cricket, triple hundreds, exploits in Twenty20s and, obviously, one-dayers, he continues to defy really what batsmen have been trying to do for ages," the former New Zealand captain wrote.

Sehwag's century in the fourth one-day international in Hamilton last Wednesday was the fastest by an Indian.

The explosive opener, who spent nearly a year out of the Indian test side after being dropped for poor form, hit 100 in 60 balls, reaching the mark with a six.

He finished with 125 not out in a 201-run opening stand in 23.3 overs in a rain-hit ODI to help India secure their first series victory on New Zealand soil.

Sehwag notched up a 27-ball 40 with three sixes and as many fours in the final match on Saturday which New Zealand won by eight wickets to register their only victory in the five-match series.

The three-test series between the two teams begins in Hamilton on Wednesday.