Sangakkara surpasses Dravid record

The veteran Kumar Sangakkara recorded a momentous 37th Test century, as Sri Lanka moved to 252 for two – in reply to Pakistan's 451 all out – on day three of the series opener at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.
The veteran Kumar Sangakkara recorded a momentous 37th Test century, as Sri Lanka moved to 252 for two – in reply to Pakistan's 451 all out – on day three of the series opener at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.
The milestone saw Sangakkara surpass former India captain Rahul Dravid's tally of 36 centuries in the longest format of the international game. The stalwart left-hander now has the fourth most Test centuries, after Indian Sachin Tendulkar's 51, South African Jacques Kallis' 45 and Australian Ricky Ponting's 41.
The prolific feat – and a complementary half-ton from fellow former skipper Mahela Jayawardene – were the loan highlights on a day otherwise marred by inclement weather. Rain, in fact, allowed for a mere 46 overs.
Resuming on 99 for one, the Sri Lankans boasted reasonable hope of forcing a first-innings lead. While sodden conditions hampered this bid, a forecast of sunnier skies on Saturday will buoy Sangakkara and company.
Fast bowler Mohammad Talha's removal of opener Kaushal Silva was the day's only wicket. A superb catch from diving wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed ended the burgeoning vigil. Silva struck 11 boundaries en route to a patient, 140-delivery 64.
His exit paved the way for another guard of honour for the retiring Jayawardene, who is playing a final Test match in Galle. Characteristically and dutifully, he commenced a fine alliance with Sangakkara.
The pair were largely untroubled by a considerably uninspired Pakistan attack, arguably over-reliant on spinner Saeed Ajmal. The much-touted slow bowler went without a wicket across 29 fruitless overs.
An unbroken partnership will be afforded the chance to span beyond 108 on day four, when the hosts will require a decidedly quicker run-rate than the current 3.15 to potentially bring a declaration.
The sub-continental rivals have been allowed just two Tests, rather than a standard three, leaving an early lead more coveted than usual. Sangakkara and Jayawardene, not out on 102 and 55 respectively, have an enviable relationship to further invest.
Latest
-
News
Deandra Dottin’s an all-round success as Manchester Originals beat Welsh Fire
The former West Indies star excelled with bat and ball at Old Trafford.
-
News
Ben Stokes insists England will adopt front-foot approach in all circumstances
England begin their Test series with South Africa at Lord’s on Wednesday aiming to keep playing bold cricket.
-
News
Dean Elgar warns South Africa are ‘not here to play soft-natured cricket’
The Proteas skipper also insisted nothing should be read into their heavy defeat to England Lions last week.
-
News
Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien retires from international cricket aged 38
The 38-year-old’s century secured a famous World Cup victory over England in 2011.
-
News
Ben Stokes happy to see South Africa ‘keep talking’ about England’s new approach
The two teams meet in the first Test at Lord’s on Wednesday.
-
News
England seamer Matthew Potts extends Durham deal
Potts has made his international breakthrough in 2022.
-
News
James Anderson: There are unlikely to be many more Test players in their forties
Anderson made his debut against Zimbabwe in May 2003 and has gone on to claim 657 wickets in 172 Tests.
-
News
English cricket needs to react as world game continues to shift – Andrew Strauss
Speaking ahead of this week’s Lord’s Test against South Africa, Strauss acknowledged the established order was under threat.
-
News
James Anderson is as happy as he has felt in an England dressing room for years
Anderson is enjoying the culture created by new head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
-
The Hundred
Will Jacks century leads Oval Invincibles to comfortable victory
Jacks hammered an unbeaten 108 from 48 balls.