Sri Lankan captain provides perfect response to critics

Charlie Austin

November 17, 2001

Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya provided the perfect answer to critics who 24 hours earlier had lambasted the team for their go-slow tactics on the fourth day.

The home team chiseled out a 142 run lead on Friday after batted throughout the day at a miserly run rate. Critics argued that the Sri Lankan's failure to push the pace had cost the side valuable time and runs.

In the end, Sri Lanka had plenty of time as the West Indies collapsed for the second time in the match and were bowled out for just 144 in 78.3 overs.

"Different individuals have different opinions, but we knew that batting on the fifth day was not going to be easy and we had 96 overs to bowl at the West Indies," he said.

"The key was getting 590 in our second innings. The wicket was good for batting and all the batsmen capitalised on that to give us a 142 run lead.

"Our only worry was Lara and Hooper because they had the experience and know-how to handle Murali."

"We stuck to the basics against both players. We didn't want to try anything silly, as the wicket was turning more. The bowlers just needed to be patient and concentrate on their line and length."

Sri Lanka chopped and changed the bowlers throughout the day.

"The wicket was not turning as much as we have seen in the past at Galle and we didn't want the batsmen to settle against one bowler for a long time," explained Jayasuriya. "We even wanted Murali to change ends regularly."

When Lara was eventually dismissed, caught at mid-wicket for 40 off Thilan Samaraweera in his first over of the innings. The wicket precipitated the final collapse, as the West Indies lost their final five wickets for just 13 runs

"Samaraweera is a good all-rounder and we wanted to try someone else, so we gave him a chance and that was the turning point today."

Sri Lanka have now won their last four consecutive Tests in Galle, but have also lost their last three matches in Kandy.

"Kandy is a problem for us," he admitted. "It's a different mood there. Once again I have to say that we will try our best. The players have to lift their game for the match."

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Players/Umpires

Sanath Jayasuriya

Series/Tournaments

West Indies tour of Sri Lanka

Teams

Sri Lanka

West Indies