Colombo, Aug 21: Team India players lined up on the ground at the P Sara Oval on Friday (August 21) to give a guard of honour to the retiring Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara during the 2nd Test.
After India were bowled out for 393 in the 2nd session of play on the 2nd day, Sri Lanka lost an early wicket, in the 2nd over of the innings. Umesh Yadav trapped Dimuth Karunaratne LBW for 1 run.
As the Indians celebrated the wicket and the hosts' opener exited from the field, it was time for fireworks to greet the 37-year-old Sangakkara onto the ground.
Sangakkara, who will retire from international cricket after this Test, was given respect as he arrived at the crease. India's players lined up on either sides and applauded as Sangakkara walked in the middle and shook hands with captain Virat Kohli for this gesture. Australian umpires Bruce Oxenford and Rod Tucker too were part of the guard of honour.
However, there were no gift from Yadav as he bowled an in-swinging yorker first up to Sangakkara. The left-hander was upto the task and kept it out.
Playing in his 134th and final Test, Sangakkara is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.
Yesterday (August 20), at the The Oval ground in London, England players gave a similar guard of honour to the retiring Australian captain Michael Clarke in the 5th and final Ashes Test.
India's guard of honour for K Sangakkara #SLvIND #cricfit #ThankYouSanga (Pic Courtesy: Sony Six) pic.twitter.com/yAJXtkczYZ
— Cricfit (@CricFit) August 21, 2015
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