Sangakkara to give Cowdrey lecture

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara will become the first active international cricketer to deliver the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at Lord's on July 4, it was announced on Tuesday.

Top-order batsman Sangakkara, also the first Sri Lankan invited to speak in the 11-year history of the event, is due to give his address the day after he is set to play against England in a one-day international at Lord's.

The 33-year-old Sangakkara will become the youngest speaker to give the lecture, following 2009 lecturer Adam Gilchrist, and follows the likes of Geoffrey Boycott, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Imran Khan.

MCC President Christopher Martin-Jenkins said: "Sri Lanka have been so consistently successful in world cricket that it is very appropriate that a distinguished cricketer from this beautiful country should be giving the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey lecture.

"Kumar Sangakkara is widely respected in cricket not only as a brilliant player but as a highly intelligent one.

"His views on topical matters will be truly illuminating and many people will be looking forward to hearing what he has to say." Sangakkara, who currently averages over 57 in Tests, was the first batsman to score more than 150 in an innings in four consecutive Tests.

He has also enjoyed a successful career as a wicketkeeper with 183 Test dismissals.

Earlier this year he led Sri Lanka to World Cup final and, although he resigned as captain after the defeat by India in Mumbai, Sangakkara has continued his international career.The lecture was inaugurated in 2001 in memory of former England captain Colin Cowdrey.

LONDON, May 17, 2011 AFP