Record stand gives Sri Lanka big lead

COLOMBO, July 28 (Reuters) Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene scored unbeaten centuries to guide a dominant Sri Lanka to 320 for two wickets at tea on the second day of the first test against South Africa today.

The pair, who came together with the hosts wobbling on 14-2 after bowling out South Africa for 169, shared a record 306-run all-wicket stand against the tourists.

The previous record partnership for Sri Lanka had been the 193 compiled by Marvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya at Galle in 2000.

The hosts, who resumed on 128-2, have now stretched their lead to 151 runs and with eight wickets intact, will be looking to build a winning advantage.

Sangakkara, dropped in the gully and bowled off a no ball before reaching double figures, was the more aggressive of the pair during the morning session and reached his tenth test hundred just before lunch.

The 28-year-old left-hander, relieved of his wicket-keeping responsibilities for this match, stroked 18 stylish boundaries to be on 147 from 220 balls at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

Jayawardene, Sri Lanka's captain in the absence of the injured Atapattu, provided rock-solid support with a chanceless 15th test hundred that was completed immediately after lunch.

The 29-year-old right-hander reached tea on 145 from 256 deliveries with 19 elegant boundaries.

LOW CHANCE The closest the tourists came to making a breakthrough was when a difficult low chance was dropped in the deep after Sangakkara lofted left-arm spinner Nicky Boje as he approached his century.

A firm checked--drive from Jayawardene also dropped just short of Ashwell Prince at short cover during the afternoon.

South Africa's lacklustre bowlers, unable to find their best rhythm after a 10-week break, toiled throughout on a pitch that was slow and flat.

Dale Steyn was the most successful bowler after his new ball strike yesterday, finishing with figures of 2-68 from 16 overs.

However, Boje was the most effective, clamping down on Sri Lanka's run rate as he bowled over the wicket into the rough to finish with 0-85 from 25 overs.

The second test of the two-match series will be played at the P. Sara Oval, also in Colombo, from August 4.

REUTERS DH HS1609