Jayawardene aims for Test win in Australia

COLOMBO—Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lanka captain, has expressed confidence in his bowling attack as his team aims for a maiden Test victory on Australian soil. “The last time we were there, we drew a Test match [the second Test in Cairns, 2004]. I think we are getting closer and closer. Mentally we are a very strong unit and the guys have developed themselves very well,” said Jayawardene. “The best chance we have got would be right now because we have a good bowling attack. We feel that with the attack we’ve got, we can take 20 wickets. That’s the most important thing in winning a Test match.
“We’ve done that in England and in New Zealand. Our next goal would be to do that in Australia. With this bowling attack our chances are much better. If the batsmen get the runs required and we fight like hell and support the bowlers, we have got a very good chance.”
Jayawardene also spoke about the benefits of giving responsibilities to individual players. “We have given responsibility to individuals and over a period of time they’ve realised that they are responsible for their actions and for their performances. It is not just oriented around a few players, everyone has to contribute. Everyone realises how important they are to the team.
“We’ve given them that confidence and they strive on that. That’s why we’ve started performing well overseas on a consistent basis. If we can keep that mentality and a strong mind frame, our chances are very good.”
Assessing the opposition, Jayawardene said: “With the lack of experience by the absence of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, Australia’s batting would be their strongest going into the series. The bowlers, they have, are a good unit but not as experienced as when they had McGrath and Warne. They are still a very good all-round side. We still have to respect that and challenge them in all departments. “
Muttiah Muralitharan may be just nine short of overhauling Shane Warne’s world record of 708 wickets, but Jayawardene said that it would not detract his team’s focus of winning the series. “I’ve spoken to Murali and his sentiments are that he will break the record whether it will be in Australia or elsewhere. For him the Australian tour is about performing well and winning.—Agencies
Down the line if he can break the record it will be great but even if he doesn’t break it, it is not an issue for us.” Sri Lanka leave for Australia on Tuesday (October 23) and the first Test starts in Brisbane on November 8.