Enjoyed every moment with Murali - Herath

Chris DHAMBARAGE reporting from Galle

Veteran leg spinner Rangana Herath believes that it will be really hard for Sri Lanka to fill the absence of Muttiah Muralitharan who is currently playing his farewell Test match against India at the Galle International Stadium.

Herath noted that he had enjoyed every moment while bowling along with Muralitharan in the past and was happy to be a part of this historic occasion. Herath of course went wicketless from his 6.4 over spell in the Indian first innings yesterday.

Herath stated that Muralitharan's contribution to Sri Lankan cricket is quite remarkable and his services will be badly felt during the rest of the series. The 32 year old left hander had a fantastic game with the bat where he hammered a career best 80 not out that helped Sri Lanka to pile up a massive 520 for 8 wickets in their first innings.

Herath said that a maiden century was never in the back of his mind and his main intention was to bat as long as possible. He performed that task to perfection while adding a record 105 runs for the eighth wicket along with Lasith Malinga. Herath believes that opener Virender Sehwag is the key wicket if Sri Lanka is to make inroads into the Indian middle order and force the follow on in their attempt for a historic victory.

Herath also said that his stint with English county Hampshire has helped him to bat with more purpose with the back up support coming from the Sri Lanka Cricket coaching staff.