Sangakkara endorses Ashes like iconic trophy for Indo-Sri Lanka Test series

Sri Lanka's batting great Kumar Sangakkara has backed the prospect of an iconic trophy for the Test series between his country and India on the lines of the historic Ashes series.

"When you look at Test series around the world, there is one iconic series in the Ashes and maybe if we can develop a contest and a meaningful rivalry and a meaningful trophy for maybe a Test series in that vein for Asia as well, that will be a great step forward," said Sangakkara, ahead of the first Test match of the three-match series against India, which starts in Galle from Wednesday.

Sangakkara, who is playing his last series before retiring from international cricket, has insisted that the rivalry between the two subcontinent nations has been great. He further said that both sides have come through tough times, adding that the upcoming series would be as tough as it has been before.

The left-hander has scored 12305 runs at an average of 58, making him the fifth highest run getter in Test match history.

While the second Test will be played at Tamil Union Oval on August 20, the third match is scheduled to start from August 28 at SSC Colombo.