R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is best remembered for holding the world record for the highest Test total - 952/6 declared by Sri Lanka against India in the first Test of the 1997/98 series in which former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225, the pair sharing the highest partnership for any wicket in Test cricket with 576 for the second wicket.
At close of play, Sri Lanka were 587/1 with Jayasuriya 326* and Mahanama 211* at the crease. Jayasuriya became the first ever Sri Lankan to score 300 runs in a Test.
On day five, Kumble got the break through for India, sending Mahanama back with the scoreboard reading 615/2! Their partnership of 576 runs was the highest test partnership for any wicket. Jayasuriya was the next to go, in the very next over.
All the Indian fielders ran to congratulate him as he departed with his head held down as he had missed his chance to overtake Lara's record. They applauded him all the way to the pavilion (In Picture) from where he got a standing ovation. India had to suffer more batting practice by de Silva (126), Ranatunga (86) and Jayawardene (66). There were 58 extras when the innings ended at 952 for 6 wickets declared in 271 overs. The team record 952/6d beat the previous best, 903-7d by England v Australia at The Oval in 1938 and still stands
At close of play, Sri Lanka were 587/1 with Jayasuriya 326* and Mahanama 211* at the crease. Jayasuriya became the first ever Sri Lankan to score 300 runs in a Test.
On day five, Kumble got the break through for India, sending Mahanama back with the scoreboard reading 615/2! Their partnership of 576 runs was the highest test partnership for any wicket. Jayasuriya was the next to go, in the very next over.
All the Indian fielders ran to congratulate him as he departed with his head held down as he had missed his chance to overtake Lara's record. They applauded him all the way to the pavilion (In Picture) from where he got a standing ovation. India had to suffer more batting practice by de Silva (126), Ranatunga (86) and Jayawardene (66). There were 58 extras when the innings ended at 952 for 6 wickets declared in 271 overs. The team record 952/6d beat the previous best, 903-7d by England v Australia at The Oval in 1938 and still stands
