HOBART, Nov 20: South African umpire Rudi Koertzen apologised to Kumar Sangakkara for giving him out in controversial circumstances within sight of his seventh Test double-century on Tuesday.

The star batsman was stunned when Koertzen gave him out to a catch by Ricky Ponting, which effectively ended Sri Lanka’s remote chances of snatching victory from the Australians after being set a massive 507 runs to win.

Television replays showed the ball bowled by Stuart Clark appeared to deflect off Sangakkara’s shoulder to Ponting at second slip.

Sangakkara came on to the field after the fall of the last wicket and put his arm around Koertzen’s shoulder.

Skipper Mahela Jayawardene said Koertzen had apologised to Sangakkara for giving him out.

“Rudi came and said sorry to him. But that’s it. Kumar being Kumar was fine with it,” Jayawardene said.—AFP