Kumar Sangakkara made his highest ever score on English soil as the bat continued to dominate in Sussex’s clash with Durham.

Sangakkara went to the 47th first class century of his illustrious career off 202 balls and then hit Luke Wright and Ashar Zaidi for sixes as he took only another 55 deliveries to reach 150.

The Sri Lanka international was out just before tea for 159 when he was caught on the square leg boundary off the bowling of Steve Magoffin as he attempted to ensure Durham picked up maximum batting points.

Sangakkara also put on 144 with former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood who hit a 78-ball 74before holing out at long-off to give Zaidi a wicket.

Phil Mustard then joined Sangakkara to add a further 60 for the sixth wicket and take Durham past the follow-on target and leave the contest a straight fight for bonus points.

The two wickets to fall in the afternoon session meant Sussex have collected a second bowling point but Durham – who are on 396-2 - still require eight runs from 11 balls after tea to earn maximum batting points.