Sangakkara made his debut against South Africa in Galle in 2000 and will become the fifth Sri Lankan to play a century of Tests. His 8,572 runs in 99 Tests at an average of 55.66 with 25 hundreds are second in his country’s all-time list, behind Mahela Jayawardene’s 9,801 runs from 121 matches.
“It is a great honour to have represented my country for such a long period of time, and also a great honour to play 100 Test matches for Sri Lanka,” said Sangakkara ahead of his landmark match. “But the most important thing is to contribute as much as I can to the side winning games.
“It is nice to participate, but you want to say to your team-mates and others that we are winners. That is the most important thing.”
Harris unlikely to play
Meanwhile, Australian fast-bowler Ryan Harris looks unlikely to be part of the match after scans revealed a hamstring strain.
Harris had complained of a stiff right hamstring on the last day of the second Test. Australia are unlikely to risk Harris, although the bowler himself is keen to play.
“If Michael Clarke is happy to take me in with a slight risk, I’ll give it 100 per cent in what’s a big game,” said Harris.
If Harris is declared unfit, Australia have two other seamers, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson, to choose from.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2011.
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