Sangakkara century gives Sri Lanka edge

MELBOURNE, Dec 15 (Reuters) A swashbuckling century from Kumar Sangakkara lifted Sri Lanka after an early batting collapse against New Zealand on the opening day of the second and final test in Wellington.

Chris Martin took three early wickets to reduce the tourists to 41 for three but Sangakarra, who hit a century in the low-scoring first test defeat at Christchurch last week, was unbeaten on 131 as the tourists reached tea on 239 for six.

Sangakkara was at the centre of the controversy that marred the first test in Christchurch, when batting partner Muttiah Muralitharan was run out when he went to congratulate his team mate on reaching his second-innings century.

And he continued his rich vein of form by striking 17 fours and a six to reach 12th test century from just 113 balls.

Sri Lanka won the toss and skipper Mahela Jayawardene elected to bat but Martin was quick to make him regret his decision with a terrific opening spell.

He had Sanath Jayasuriya caught in the slips by Stephen Fleming for a duck and Upul Tharanga caught behind by Brendon McCullum for seven to reduce Sri Lanka to 27 for two.

Martin then bowled the Sri Lanka skipper for a four-ball duck and Jacob Oram had Chamara Kapugedera caught for five.

Sangakkara and Chamara Silva (61) steadied the boat with a productive fifth-wicket partnership of 121 befiore Silva holed out off James Franklin.

Prasanna Jayawardene then hit an entertaining 25, including three fours and a six, before he went on the stroke of tea trapped lbw by Daniel Vettori.

New Zealand won the first test by five wickets.

Reuters PM VP0918