Sangakkara gets a big hug from his childhood friend after scoring his first century at Lord’s
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Kumar Sangakkara scored his maiden century at Lord’s as Sri Lanka continued to claw away at England’s massive first innings total of 575 on the third day of the first Test.
Sangakkara was well supported by veteran batsman Mahela Jayawardene and captain Angelo Mathews as they both made half-centuries.
Starting out the day on 140/1, Sri Lanka opener Kaushal Silva and Sangakkara only managed to add 11 runs onto their 86-run partnership before Silva was caught behind off the bowling of James Anderson.
Silva’s fantastic knock of 63 came off 160 balls and included 10 boundaries.
Sangakkara and Jayawardene, who have been friends from the age of 15, made up for the early loss of Silva with a 126-run partnership, during which Sangakkara brought up his 36th Test century, which also happened to be his first at Lord’s, while Jayawardene registered his half-century.
The partnership was broken when Jayawardene was given out lbw off the bowling of Stuart Broad. Jayawardene decided to review the decision, but the replays showed that the ball had hit both his pads and was going on to crash into middle stump. This led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.
Jayawardene’s excellent knock of 55 came off 105 balls and included seven boundaries.
Jayawardene struck seven boundaries during his knock of 55
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Lahiru Thirimanne only made two runs before he was caught by debutant Sam Robson at square leg off the bowling of Anderson.
Sangakkara and Mathews steadied the innings with a 96-run partnership, during which Mathews brought up his half-century, before Sangakkara was caught behind off the bowling of debutant Moeen Ali.
Sangakkara’s outstanding innings of 147 came off 258 balls and included 16 boundaries.
Wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene failed to have an impact with the bat as he was caught by Ian Bell at leg slip off the bowling of Liam Plunkett for six runs.
Nuwan Kulasekara fared no better as he was caught behind off the bowling of debutant Chris Jordan for nine runs.
Mathews and Rangana Herath could only put together a two-run partnership before the the umpires decided to bring play to an end for the day.
Mathews finished on 79 off 127 balls, which included eight boundaries, while Herath has still yet to get off the mark.
Mathews scored an unbeaten 79
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Anderson and Jordan picked up two wickets apiece, while Broad, Plunkett and Ali chipped in with one wicket each.
Sri Lanka ended day three on 415/7 and will continue batting tomorrow at 11:00 local time or 10:00 GMT.