'There are bigger things than getting out or not out on 199'

23 June 2012 06:26 pm - 33 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Kumar Sangakkara, who was left stranded on 199 during the second day between Sri Lanka v Pakistan 1st Test, said that there are bigger things that getting out or not out on 199.

He wasn't laughing, though, when he watched Sri Lanka's No. 11, Nuwan Pradeep, get bowled by Mohammad Hafeez's offbreak. Sangakkara had become only the second batsman, after Andy Flower, to get stranded on 199 in Tests. Cricket, being such a numbers obsessed game, will probably remember his innings for the one run he didn't get, rather than the labour behind the 199 achieved in just under two days in sultry Galle.

Sangakkara said there was no point beating himself up for what had happened. "I was thinking about getting as close as possible [to 200] so if I'm a shot away, I'll take that shot on," he said. "It was a case of trying to farm the strike with the tailenders, with the hope that we could get to a total of 500. I don't usually count until I'm six or seven short of where I want to be.

"The scoreboard showed 194 and so did the screen, so what can you do, that's life. It [the scorecard error] was an honest mistake. You've got to learn to live with disappointments. I'd rather be on 199 than 1 or 2 or 0."

There were references to his heroic 192 against Australia in Hobart, where he was denied a double-century due to an umpiring error, for which Rudi Koertzen apologised later. Sangakkara said experience had taught him to deal with such setbacks.

Pic/AFP

"You need to be on your own for five minutes, take a few deep breaths, calm yourself," he said. "It's strange how you change as a player. When you're young, you're angry and you throw the bat in the dressing room. Now, when you go back and take a breather, you realise there are bigger things than getting out or not out on 199. As long as you put everything in perspective, you'll be fine. You just have to stay calm.

"It's also my dad's birthday today, and he's been coaching me since I was 14 so I might not have to buy him a gift."

There was plenty to be satisfied about. During his unbeaten 199, Sangakkara became the quickest to 2000 Test runs against a single opponent, reaching the milestone in 26 innings. He was faster than Sunil Gavaskar (28 innings v West Indies), Brian Lara (28 v England) and Don Bradman (29 v England). (ESPNcricinfo and agencies)

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Comments - 33

summa Saturday, 23 June 2012 09:57 PM

my god.Sri Lankan stands only because of you kind of people.
if no cricket, we will be known for nothing.

mj Sunday, 24 June 2012 12:14 AM

tough luck Sanga :( - hey its still some for of record right? Being only the 2nd player in history to be stranded at 199 :( - Phenomenal innings, keep it up :)

Mohomed Sunday, 24 June 2012 02:21 AM

I feel really sorry about this. Better luck next time Sanga

aswin Sunday, 24 June 2012 02:31 AM

Great job, well done. Sri Lanka is proud of you

Ami Sunday, 24 June 2012 02:39 AM

Your comments and records speak for yourself ! A person Larger than life !

Padmal Sunday, 24 June 2012 02:34 AM

we are so proud of you....... go sanga go....

SenSu Sunday, 24 June 2012 02:39 AM

If he would got tosse singles those not took.......

Criclover Sunday, 24 June 2012 03:12 AM

well done sanga....

IrangaJ Sunday, 24 June 2012 03:30 AM

Rahu is going in wrong side for you these days....missed a one day century, and now the double hundred !

rohan Sunday, 24 June 2012 03:47 AM

Great son of this soil. this is what Sri Lankans should admire, his maturity and wisdom is amazing, when you are out of this country you will respected for this kind of attitude, not for the wealth a person possess, I allways tell my son Sanga is a good example for you to look up to, After all the background a person come from matters.

goodman Sunday, 24 June 2012 03:59 AM

It's like you scored 400 to equal Brian Lara> You did great and really proud to be a Sri Lanakan because people like you. There are lots of goons out there who will not agree with me. But you & Mahela have made us really really proud. Keep up your good work and pleeeeeese don't get involved in any kind of match fixing.

indi Sunday, 24 June 2012 04:19 AM

All will talk and remember 199 not out more longer than if he had reached 200. it is like 999 not out.

Nihal Soori Sunday, 24 June 2012 04:47 AM

Dear Kumar
You are the best cricketer in the world.
You are the best teacher for young players.
All the best
Nihal Soori

Yoshi Monday, 25 June 2012 10:29 AM

Sanga.. you are my hero!! 199 is almost like 200.. so no worries

Nodrog Sunday, 24 June 2012 05:14 AM

Well said Kumar and better luck next time.

bonnie mallie Sunday, 24 June 2012 05:30 AM

Respect Bro !! Respect ! A true Sri Lankan - you make us proud

Ananda Monday, 25 June 2012 11:11 AM

Murali is the best cricketer SL produced. But Sanga is the best cricketer SL produced in all respects.

shiva Monday, 25 June 2012 11:24 AM

You are a great player and a role model for many of the young upcoming players. Keep up the god work!!

Lal Suranjith Sunday, 24 June 2012 06:48 AM

We admire you a lot we being living overseas due to personal commitment.you are an inspiration for all youngsters there arnt many crickers like you. you real gift to motherland.

Huna Sunday, 24 June 2012 08:00 AM

it didnt look like there is any thing bigger than reaching his double ton while he was batting though , even Herath had scarified his wicket for him..

Jagath Leanage Sunday, 24 June 2012 08:18 AM

You are an example to our politicians. We can be proud to be a Sri lankan because of you Sanga.We salute youfrom the bottom of our heart.

DAN Sunday, 24 June 2012 08:35 AM

May be MR ordered Sanga not to score 200 since Pak is one of our friendly nations !!

Shace-UK Sunday, 24 June 2012 08:37 AM

Its nothing to do with RAHU mate!!! SL got allout thats about it!!! Sucessfull people never depend on horoscope they write their own destiny!!!!

Fazli Sunday, 24 June 2012 08:57 AM

Sanga you are not just a cricketer but an intelectual and thorough gentlemen which is a rare thing these days

sanaboynabo Sunday, 24 June 2012 09:33 AM

well said from a matured personality.

prasanna Sunday, 24 June 2012 09:43 AM

Good...BUT..you are a big talker..

Priyanka Sunday, 24 June 2012 09:44 AM

Great player. You will be remembered and appreciated your contribution to the Sri Lanka's cricket.

Bad Umpire Sunday, 24 June 2012 10:11 AM

Anyway Sanga has to thank Steve Davis for not giving the number 11 out earlier. He was plumb out - Bad luck Pakistan.

Bagalawathee Sunday, 24 June 2012 12:11 PM

You are a true son of the soil Sanga and we all are very proud of you. Well done.

Sheran Sunday, 24 June 2012 12:26 PM

Well done sanga...better luck next time.Hope you will get to 200 at the SSC.

riyaz Monday, 25 June 2012 05:28 AM

kumar is a great great srilankan

chooti Monday, 25 June 2012 05:42 AM

If we only had 1 politician who thought like you this would be a great country!!

Mohammed. Sunday, 24 June 2012 01:57 PM

Well said... Sanga. You are a role model for many of the youngsters.. and leading with examples. Certainly, we can be priod of you. May God bless you..

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'There are bigger things than getting out or not out on 199'

Comments - 33

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