Jayasuriya confident he has a role to play
Sanath Jayasuriya has said that he is optimistic that he will get a chance to play for Sri Lanka in England, despite being effectively ruled out of contention for the second Test
Cricinfo staff
19-May-2006
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Jayasuriya reversed his decision to retire last week and flew to England to join the squad during the Lord's Test, but neither captain Mahela Jayawardene nor coach Tom Moody was consulted before the move, which was instigated by Asantha de Mel, the chairman of selectors. "I have no problem with the players or coach so returning was nothing serious," Jayasuriya told Sky Sports.
"It doesn't rule me out because they are trying out a few players here. I'm just practising and getting settled down in England. We don't know about the team. If I'm picked I always love to play for my country, if not I'll have to sit out the game."
His presence alone is a sign of the power struggle between Moody and de Mel, and the fact that Jayasuriya was left out at Hove is an indication that Moody is winning.
Moody, meanwhile, continued with his policy of looking to the future. "All we are concentrating on now is working very hard with a young and exciting squad in a transitional period," he said. "As long as we are patient and show faith in these young players the future of Sri Lanka cricket is in good shape."