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KP stutters, Sanga sizzles in county

Controversial batsman starts with promise before edging to slip in Surrey comeback

Kevin Pietersen has failed to make an impression with the bat in his county cricket comeback, dismissed for 19 from 28 balls by Glamorgan bowler Craig Meschede.

Surrey batsmen Pietersen and Kumar Sangakkara were the star attractions for the first day of their team’s County Championship Division Two clash with Glamorgan.

Having arrived at the crease with Surrey in a strong position at 2-111, Pietersen was circumspect early but once comfortable, sent a delivery through the covers for four.

Image Id: ~/media/5FF2F6CA381444D9807A2CB7FDCBB987Kevin Pietersen's innings started well // Getty Images 

He followed with a clip to the boundary through midwicket and another blistering cover drive.

But the 34-year-old could not replicate his brilliant innings from Surrey’s practice match against Oxford MCCU – when he scored 170 from 149 deliveries - edging to Colin Ingram in the slips.

Quick single: KP scores century in Surrey comeback

While KP stuttered, Sangakkara sizzled. 

Making his Surrey debut, Sangakkara posted his maiden century for the Oval-based outfit, an unbroken 112 in tandem with wicketkeeper Steven Davies (109 not out).

The pair put on 213 to lead Surrey to a commanding 3-363 at stumps on day one.

"Kevin missed out here but I've no doubt in my mind he will get the runs he needs to play for England again," Davies said.

"He's been great at Surrey, I've never had any problems with him, and he looked great last week on a tough wicket at Oxford.

"Sangakkara was unbelievable. He's a hero of mine and to play alongside him is a great honour.

"So to get that partnership with him was a special day for me."

At Trent Bridge, the former world No.1 ranked T20 batsman Alex Hales blasted a career-best 222 not out off only 250 balls against Jason Gillespie's Yorkshire.

Yorkshire won the toss and sent Nottinghamshire in but were made to rue that decision as Hales dismantled the champions with 37 fours and remarkably, only a solitary six. 

Australia paceman Peter Siddle opened his account with new county Lancashire in fine style, scoring a solid 46 against Derby. 

The right-hander combined with the keeper Alex Davies for a seventh-wicket partnership of 86 to lift Lancs to 8-292 with help from Alviro Petersen's debut knock of 115.

Fellow Aussie fast bowler Jackson Bird remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Bird suffered the issue in a grade final in Tasmania before flying to England to begin a three-month stint with Hampshire.

The club hopes the 28-year-old will play in the second XI this week before lining up against Notts next Sunday at the Rose Bowl.

And New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has taken another five-wicket haul in county cricket, this time against Kent in Chelmsford.

Ryder claimed 5-43 but failed to replicate his stunning form with the bat, scoring 12 batting at No.6 as Essex crumbled to 6-67 on an opening day that saw 16 wickets tumble.