Team is always ready to fight back: MJ
First Published : 24 Jul 2012, 21:14
Last Modified : 25 Jul 2012, 16:04
Hambantota, July 24: Mahela Jayawardene was pleased with the way in which his team fought back to achieve a thumping nine-wicket win in the second ODI against India after being defeated in the first. From conceding 300-plus runs to the Indians in the first match of the series, the Lankan bowling attack came a long way in reducing them for a paltry 138 to level the five-match series 1-1.
Jayawardene hailed his bowlers, especially Man of the Match Thisara Perera and Angelo Mathews, who picked three wickets each. He also backed debutant Isuru Udana, who struggled to keep his line right; expressing confidence that he’ll come back strong in the next match.
On the contrasting results of the first and second ODIs
It’s funny what two days of cricket does to you. We did a lot of good things the other night and knew that we have to ensure we don’t repeat the mistakes we made in that match. I still feel we didn’t field too well today as well. It was the bowlers who put their hands up and did the job for us. I’m quite happy with all the guys’ effort today.
On his team’s comeback
We had a good chat in the dressing room. The good thing about our guys is they are ready to fight back from tough situations. Even against Pakistan we lost the first game and bounced back to win the rest of the matches. They show a lot of hunger and want to win matches. As long as we can put our hands up in adversity and contribute for the team, as a captain that’s all I can ask for.
On Upul Tharanga’s innings of 59 runs
I saw him bat like that after a long time. It was the Tharanga of old that we know – the timing, the stroke-making and the confidence. Hopefully he’ll continue to do that as he and [Tillakaratne] Dilshan at the top of the order will be brilliant for us. He struggled in the last year or so but it’s good to see him back in great form.
On the overall performance of his bowlers
Our bowlers bowled really well. Isuru [Udana], probably was nervous playing his first game and he fought with the wind which is never a good thing. But Thisara [Perera] and Angelo [Mathews] did the job for us. Isuru should come back strong in the next game.
