SCORING runs in Australia is the pinnacle for any batsman in the world, according to Sri Lankan superstar Kumar Sangakkara, who is looking to impose his wizardry on his first Big Bash League campaign. 
Sangakkara, arguably the biggest signing in BBL history, joined his Hobart Hurricanes team-mates for the first time yesterday before facing the Sydney Sixers on Sunday.
The 134-Test, 404-ODI veteran retired from the international arena in   August and finished his career with 28,016 runs across all three forms of the game - the second most in history behind Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. The charismatic 38-year-old destroyed attacks around the world but insists Australia is the measuring stick for any touring outfit.
"If you are a batsman, this is where you really want to come and play, it really tests you out but at the same time it has true bounce, true pace," Sangakkara said. "There is no better place than to come out here and score runs. I think a lot of players around the world take a lot of pride in coming here and scoring runs against the Australian side on their home turf." International commitments have ruled Sangakkara out of the four previous BBL tournaments, with the elegant left-hander hoping to make up for lost time this summer. He labelled it a privilege to be a part of the competition, which he believes outshines the IPL.
"Probably out of all the franchise tournaments, the cricket is of the highest quality here," he said. "The brand has a huge appeal around the world, there is a lot of respect for this tournament and having heard some of the overseas players who have come here and played, the feedback has been amazing. All in all when you look at the big picture, it is unbelievable I am here playing and I feel very, very privileged."Despite his recent retirement Sangakkara, who became the first player to score four consecutive ODI centuries in the World Cup this year, has been kept busy. He took part in the All Stars exhibition series in America last month, before heading to the Bangladesh Premier League.