Kumar Sangakkara scored a brilliant century on debut for Surrey, who clocked up 363 for three on day one of their LV= County Championship Division Two clash against Glamorgan.
Sangakkara racked up 112 for his side after coming in shortly before lunch at the SWALEC Stadium, and he was ably supported by Steven Davies, who also clocked three figures, with the duo adding 213 for the fourth wicket.
Gareth Batty won the toss and had little hesitation choosing to bat, as Surrey punished Glamorgan’s bowlers, with Zafar Ansari and Rory Burns chipping in with 48 and 50 respectively.
Ansari and Burns had launched the Surrey innings with an opening partnership of 104, before Burns was caught behind off Graham Wagg shortly before lunch.
Ansari departed after the interval, trapped lbw by Andy Carter, but there was no respite for the Glamorgan attack as Sangakkara held centre stage, on a day when the hosts had given free entry to supporters.
The former Sri Lanka skipper had gone into the lunch break on zero, but appeared determined to celebrate his debut with a big score.
Coming to the crease on the back of four consecutive centuries in the World Cup and a 45 in the game Sri Lanka were eliminated, he played every ball on its merit and was soon piercing the off side with some trademark strokes.
He reached 50 from 83 balls, and went on to score the inevitable century from another 79 deliveries, which included a six and 14 fours.
Earlier in the morning, Kevin Pietersen had also been making his return to Championship action, and looked to be building a platform but was caught at first slip by Colin Ingram off Craig Meschede for 19.
After Pietersen’s dismissal, Sangakarra was well supported by Davies, one of four wicketkeepers in the Surrey team.
He also appeared in prime form and shortly before the close reached his century with 16 fours.
The former Worcestershire man eventually finished on 109 from his 171 balls, and Surrey’s score at stumps completely vindicated the decision to take to the middle first.
Glamorgan took the new ball after 80 overs, but the batsmen were rarely troubled, and they will hope the pitch remains true throughout the game and continues to favour the batsmen.
Good start to our season up here in Cardiff. Got to bat with the Big Man @KP24 today. Great bunch of guys. Stephen Davies gun innings mate.
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) April 19, 2015