Jayasuriya a fantastic team player- Mahela

Chris Dhambarage reporting from Asgiriya

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardena said that picking up early wickets in the first session was the turning point after his team had defeated England by 88 runs on the fifth and final day of the opening test match concluded at the Asgiriya Stadium yesterday.

Jayawardena said that he expected a challenge from the England late order batsmen but his team had plenty of time to plan their strategy and pulled off their first win against England at this venue. There was a similar occasion in 2003 where Sri Lanka came very close of defeating their old rivals at Asgiriya.

Jayawardena said that those awful memories were running in his mind with England also opting for some delaying tactics. But Jayawardena felt that this time his team had more fire power with a well balanced pace attack and with Muralitharan bowling at his best.

He was happy that eventually the team overcame all challenges and were able to take a one nil lead in the three Test series.

He said that the team was prepared to play a waiting game and he knew things would change once the new ball was taken. Jayawardena noted that his team always had a chance of winning once Muralitharan had broken the stubborn seventh wicket partnership between Ian Bell and Mathew Prior.

Jayawardena said that thereafter they simply created opportunities and polished off the England tail quite convincingly. Jayawardena of course admitted that Ryan Sidebottom received a nasty decision which led to England’s downfall.

The Sri Lankan captain however believed that his team were also at the receiving end during their recent tour to Australia which was described as a tough one.

Jayawardena also described this test match as one of his best efforts especially after having been 86 for 5 on the opening day and having also conceded first innings lead to their opponents.

He said that the team showed a lot of character thereafter to turn the game in their favour with good contributions from Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas and Kumar Sangakkara.

Jayawardena of course felt that England could always bounce back but believed that for the moment the Lankans had taken an early advantage in their attempt to win the three match series.

Jayawardena also paid tribute to one of the greatest players Sanath Jayasuriya who played his last Test match yesterday.

The Sri Lankan captain said that Jayasuriya is not only a batsman or a bowler but he is a fantastic team player and his presence will be badly missed by the team.