Sanath Jayasuriya is determined to reclaim his Test spot. © AFP Enlarge

Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lanka opener, has vowed to reclaim his place in the Test squad after being dropped for the tour of India in December.

"I was feeling disappointed on the day the team left for India," Jayasuriya told AFP. "The team that I have been part of for so many years was leaving but I was playing a club match here."

Jayasuriya was dropped because a string of poor performances and problems with a shoulder injury during the one-day series in India that Sri Lanka lost 1-6. "This setback has made me more determined and increased my hunger for runs," said Jayasuriya. "I had some injuries and then form too deserted me but I am keen to work hard on my game and get back in the team. The shoulder is on the mend and the physiotherapist says I will be 100% fit in two weeks. It's actually a bit difficult to cope with it when you are out of the side but it's a part of the game when you are a professional and I am cool about it."

Jayasuriya said that he consulted Sidath Wettimuny, a former Test player, to sort out some technical problems. "My ultimate goal remains the 2007 World Cup but the first target is to get back into the team," said Jayasuriya. "I am playing in domestic matches and am keen to get runs and and get my confidence back. During the one-dayers in India I was getting good starts but after that I used to get out. That one-day series was one of the worst tours by a Sri Lankan team in recent years. Nothing went right for us from the start, but whatever India touched turned to gold."