Sri Lanka has to take early wickets, says Mahela

Dilanka MANNAKKARA

Sri Lanka’s Vice Captain Mahela Jayawardena addressing a press briefing after Tuesday’s play said, “We have to take early wickets tomorrow morning because the pitch is good to bat on and it has more bounce on it, but it will spin more during the next three days and that Sri Lanka has to dismiss the dangerous Sehwag early.”

Mahela also added: “Our fast bowlers would get some reverse swing tomorrow. Suraj Randiv was a bit nervous today but he will get some assistance from the wicket because of his height and high-arm action.” When questioned regarding being dismissed for 174 and not getting a double century which would have equalled Sangakkara’s seven double centuries, Mahela said: “I was very tired and played a shot which I should not have played and it’s a team game although I would have loved to get another 200 but I’m not disappointed.”

He also commented on the record century partnership with Sangakkara. “We have a great understanding and the left and right hand combination makes it hard for the bowlers and we have been more attacking in the recent past. That’s why we have been building big partnerships.”

He also said that Sangakkara batted beautifully for his 214 and took away the pressure from him. He also commented on breaking Sir Donald Bradman’s record of most number of centuries at a single venue.

“Well Bradman did it in 10 games and I took 23 games. He is a legend and is in a league of his own.”

Mahela also spoke on not giving Harbhajan Singh the opportunity to dominate. “We had a plan to control him and not give him wickets and attack him whenever we can.”