Sanath will continue to open batting (14 July 1999)

14 July 1999

Sanath will continue to open batting

The Daily News

The newly-appointed Sri Lanka cricket captain Sanath Jayasuriya denied recent media reports in which former coach Bruce Yardley stated that the former skipper and vice captain used some of the players as servants.

Addressing local and foreign media in Colombo on Monday evening, Jayasuriya said that there is no truth in those allegations and that it could be only Yardley's personal view.

Jayasuriya said that he never knew that Yardley was promoting him to be the next Sri Lanka captain as he has stated. "Anyway, we should forget the past and think of the future to play as a team and prepare ourselves for the tours ahead", Jayasuriya added.

Jayasuriya also said that whatever the circumstances, he will continue to bat in his own inimitable style and would open the innings."We are practising hard to get back to our own", said Jayasuriya. He further said that once Dav Whatmore arrives the Sri Lankans hope to have a discussion and plan their strategy.

Jayasuriya was confident that he would perform well with the support of the two more experienced players, former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva.' "I had a lengthy discussion with Arjuna and Aravinda and they have promised me one hundred percent support," said Jayasuriya. He said that some players of the Sri Lanka 'A' team who are presently touring England and doing well are also in the selectors mind.

Jayasuriya who once captained the Sri Lanka under-24 team in 1994 to South Africa and also a one-day international against Zimbabwe, did very well. The South African under 24 team comprised half of the present team which included the captain Hansie Cronje, Lance Klusener, Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Jonty Rhodes etc.

Mahela Jayawardena the vice-captain said that he has always risen to the big occasion.

Talented Jayawardena has won the faith of the selectors and along with him Jayasuriya hopes to revive the image of the country's cricket.

Referring to Shane Warne, Jayasuriya said that Warne was a very good bowler but he will not have much problems playing him here on Sri Lankan wickets.

Source :: The Daily News (https://www.lanka.net/lakehouse/)