My success due to hard work - Sangakkara

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE in New Zealand

BASIN RESERVE: Kumar Sangakkara who toyed with New Zealand bowlers in scoring his 12th century in his short Test career and his second against the Kiwis faced the media with confidence as he usually does after the game and said he feels pretty good.

" It's a result of all the hard work I have put in. Sometimes I haven't converted starts and I have been working with the coaches and it's really satisfying. "If you get the balls in the right areas it's going to be difficult. As the day progressed the wicket got settled in and it was easier to bat on and make runs.

When asked whether he enjoyed keeping wickets now that he has handed over that job to Prasanna Jayawardena, he said: "I have always enjoyed keeping wickets.

Prassana has done a good job. He's been the most consistent batsman in the 'A' team and his presence is like us having an all-rounder. He's a good keeper as well and gives lot of options for the captain.

About joining the 5000 Test run club he said: "It's a nice club to be in. There are some great players in that list and some of my cricket heroes whom I admired as a youngster and it's really nice to be there.