Sangakkara, Jayawardene set partnership record

COLOMBO, July 29 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara broke the record for the highest partnership in test cricket, adding 624 runs for the third wicket in the first test against South Africa today.

The previous 576-run record set by compatriots Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama against India in 1997 was broken when wicketkeeper Mark Boucher conceded four byes down the leg side off the bowling of spinner Nicky Boje shortly after lunch on the third day.

Celebrated with firecrackers around the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, the pair's 160.3-over stand lasted almost two days before Sangakkara edged an Andrew Hall delivery and he was caught by Boucher for a personal best 285.

Stand-in skipper Jayawardene was unbeaten on 309, also a personal best, when the partnership finally ended.

REUTERS PM KP1451