GALLE, Sri Lanka (Reuters)
Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, who batted flawlessly for 126 not out against West Indies, has paid tribute to the influence of his batting partner Mahela Jayawardene. The pair shared in a record third-wicket stand of 162 either side of lunch on the third day, paving the way for Sri Lanka's total of 343 for 3 when rain forced an early close. "It was easy with Mahela batting at the other end because there was no pressure on me," said Sangakkara, after reaching his second Test century. "There were a few bad balls bowled but, with Mahela in the middle, it's always quick runs because he just keeps on scoring off every bad ball. All I had to do was to nudge the ball around and give him the strike and he did all the rest." Sangakkara and Jayawardene produced the highest third-wicket partnership for either side in Tests between the two countries, surpassing the previous mark of 160 set by West Indies openers Sherwin Campbell and Stuart Williams at Antigua in 1996-97. But Jayawardene, who had hit 13 fours in 133 balls, narrowly missed out on his ninth Test hundred when he was run out by Marlon Samuels for 99. "It was very disappointing to see Mahela get out for 99," said Sangakkara. "But that happens in cricket and all we have to do now is to go out there, do well tomorrow and try to win the game." Sangakkara who had struck 15 fours after seven hours at the crease by the close of the third day, reached his maiden Test century at the same venue three months before, making an unbeaten 105 against India at the Galle International Stadium. "This hundred was easier than the first one because I didn't have to bat through with the tailenders," he said. "But it is equally special because hundreds rarely come often. I feel very good that I have managed to get a second one. "Today, the idea was always to consolidate. I want to be consistent and I've always got runs at Galle."

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