Aug. 22: Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara was a picture of content. A resounding win and an excellent day behind the stumps capped off a fine outing for the skipper.
Excerpts:
On playing Thissara Perera ahead of a spinner: It was not just the conditions, we knew there was a bit of rain around and we wanted to lengthen our batting a bit. Perera is also a quality seamer. His record against India in all outings has been good, so we thought it would be the right move, and it worked for us.
On the team looking extra aggressive: I don’t think we were looking extra aggressive. This is probably the right level of energy that we need to maintain.
On the poor umpiring decisions: Even through the Test series we have advocated for referrals. The only reason I believe why we didn’t have referrals was because India didn’t want it. Sometimes it works for you, sometime against you. If everything has to be fair, use technology. The ICC should make technology compulsory.
On external pressures affecting team performance: For us, it’s always been doing our things right. It’s important to rise above pressure as a team. We have had great examples from the past, Arjuna Ranatunga in ‘95-96, how he insulated the team from outside pressures and helped us grow.
On the variety in attack: I think we are very lucky to have this variety. We have had unorthodox bowlers right throughout and I think it is great because we have always allowed them to be natural.