Lacked momentum: Jayawardene
First Published : 08 Feb 2012, 19:17
Last Modified : 08 Feb 2012, 19:17
Perth, Feb 8: Sri Lanka were off to a disappointing start in the CB Series after succumbing to a four-wicket loss against India. The Lankans were never in control of the match after posting a modest total of 233 on the board thanks largely to Dinesh Chandimal’s 64 off 81 balls. But it proved to be inadequate as India reached their target with 20 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene rued his side’s inability to put enough runs on the board during the post-match presentation.
Excerpts:
On not scoring enough runs to win the match
We were probably 35 runs short. Every time we built up a partnership trying to get on top of them we lost wickets. We just didn’t have the momentum going forward; 260-270 would have been a good score on this wicket. The bowlers bowled really well—we had our opportunities, but at the end of the day they [India] played better cricket than us.
On whether it was a matter of adjusting to Australian conditions
I think we handled it pretty well; we felt we did not play their spinners particularly well. We should have rotated a bit more; we got bogged down a bit in the middle period. We finished well but still fell 30-40 runs short and with the Indian batting line-up it’s always tough. We picked up wickets, but not enough today.
On looking ahead to the series
We did what we had to do, but there are areas we need to improve upon. Tomorrow we’ll have a chat and get ready for the next game.
On playing Australia in the next game
It’s a big game, Australia—it’s obviously a tough game. I think you need to get runs on the board first and then the bowlers can bowl well.
