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Aravinda back on the scene gives much-needed pep talk to the boys
Mahela hopes go positive
By Daminda Wijesuriya
Forgetting the rather unimpressive track record in the recent past, skipper Mahela Jayawardane wishes to focus on the first six sessions of the first test, starting at the SSC grounds, against Pakistan today. The stand in skipper, who would probably take up the role after next year's world cup, has an early opportunity to prove his mettle as a leader and he is going to make use of the situation to the best of his abilities.

"We have to take a session at a time. In a test match, there are 15 sessions and if you win nine or eight out of that, you will be in a good position" said Jayawardane.

"We'll have to try and be ahead after the first six sessions, which are the first two days of the test match, is very important" added Jayawardena further.
“Hundred test veteran Sanath Jayasuriya batted well in the last couple of days and he bowled without any complaints too. The master blaster had done his fielding drills up to the mark and it's up to team physio to decide on him this morning. He brings something different to the team, which is experience. He can certainly take a game away from any team" "There is lot of positives, if Sanath comes back to the side" Jayawardane explained.

Young left hander Upul Tharanga will be Jayasuriya's partner in opening the innings. Sri Lanka would opt for five bowlers with Farveez Maharoof as the all rounder. After a long time, Sri Lanka is willing to go with six specialist batsmen and an all rounder which makes the team composition with six batsmen and five bowlers.

Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando will handle the new ball as Maharoof is set to be the first change man. Bandara - Muralitharan combination will be well supported by close in fielders in the likes of T.M.Dilshan and Upul Tharanga.
Meanwhile Pakistan has an injury worry over the fitness of inform batsman Mohammed Yousuf, who is suffering from a thigh strain. According to Pakistan tour management, their final XI will be decided on the fitness of Yousuf, just prior to the match. In addition the Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq feels Muttiah Muralitharan's contribution is going to be a key factor in the series. "He has taken good number of wickets at the SSC grounds and our main focus is to play him well.

Sri Lanka Skipper Mahela Jayawardane had not scored a test hundred since his 141 at Napier, in April last year. The right hander had series of good starts since then but was too keen on going for shots to lose his wicket in the midway of a long innings. "The only disappointing thing is that I haven't been converting the starts which I have been getting for big scores" Sri Lankan cricketers were given a rare inspiration by former great Aravinda de Silva on Friday. The 1996 world cup hero spoke to team members at practice and his advices were more than welcomed by them.

"It's good to speak to guys like Aravinda because he brings the thinking part of the game" "The talent is there. But nowadays, thinking part plays a big role for a batsman" "I think his wisdom will be taken in the years to come" Mahela Jayawardane said.

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