Mahela-Sanga, a 'hyphenated hosanna'

In the Sydney Morning Herald, Greg Baum pays tribute to Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, who have been inseparable in the minds of followers for nearly 15 years.

Together, you've graced all the grounds and ennobled all the occasions. Once, in a Test against South Africa in Colombo, you came together at 2/14 and put on 624, the biggest partnership for any wicket, anywhere, in first-class history. As the record neared, you both grew nervous as schoolboys; this was not the time to let down a mate. You didn't. They lit fireworks for you then, and they are lighting them still.

You were still at school when you first met, and were rivals then. Eventually you came together in the national team, alone in your age group in that team. Soon, you would prove a class apart. Fortunately, you enjoyed each other's company, off the ground as well as on. In aggregate, you've made around 53,000 international runs, Test, one-day and T20, when it came along. You've both captained your country, to a World Cup final each, losing both, and the bitter memory drives you on still.