Jayawardene slams ton as Sri Lanka strengthen position

COLOMBO: Mahela Jayawardene cracked his 34th century as Sri Lanka overcame early blows to reach 212-3 at tea on the first day of the series-deciding second Test against South Africa Thursday.

Jayawardene, 37, hit 13 fours and a six in his unbeaten 138-ball 101 to consolidate the Sri Lankan innings after they had lost three wickets in the morning session on a docile track at the SSC ground.

This was Jayawardene´s 11th century at the ground, the most by any batsman at a single venue.

The stylish right-hander, due to retire from Test cricket next month, also shared 99 runs with opener Kaushal Silva (44) and another 97 with skipper Angelo Mathews, who was batting on 48 at the break.

Mathews, who promoted himself up the batting order, continued his fine show with the bat, looking at ease during his two-hour stay at the wicket.

Earlier, fast bowler Dale Steyn, the star of South Africa´s big win in the first Test at Galle, sent back opener Upul Tharanga and big-hitter Kumar Sangakkara for a duck in his sharp four-over opening spell.(AFP)