A 3-4 result would be ideal - Atapattu
Marvan Atapattu hoped that Sri Lanka could carry on the momentum after the win at Ahmedabad and finish the series on a high
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan at Rajkot
08-Nov-2005
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Marvan Atapattu hoped that Sri Lanka could carry on the momentum after the win at Ahmedabad and finish the series on a high. He, along with Harbhajan Singh and Mohammad Kaif, spoke to the press on the eve of the Rajkot match.
Marvan Atapattu
On the composition of his team
We haven't thought of any changes. It is unlikely that we will make any changes to the side that won us the last game.
On the win at Ahmedabad and the aims for the last two games
It was a good win and more than anything else it showed the character of the side. To chase 285, despite losing early wickets was a good effort. We are going to take the next two games very seriously and would like to end the tour on a high. It would be ideal if we can end with 3-4 but we must remember we are up against a team who are playing very well at the moment in conditions familiar to them.
On whether wins here would help them in the Test series in December
A Test match is a different ball game. What we learn from a one-dayer and what we learn from a Test is completely different. We plan differently for Tests and differently for ODIs. It will be another challenge and we need to prepare for it accordingly.
On his batting form
I was batting well in Ahmedabad but I would have liked to have seen the team through. I was unhappy with my dismissal but I thought [Tillakaratne] Dilshan and [Russel] Arnold did a tremendous job of seeing us through. Obviously there is scope for improvement with our batting.
On Sanath Jayasuriya's poor run
He has a fantastic reputation and we all know he can win matches single-handedly. It's our responsibility to keep him going and support him during this time. When he gets runs, Sri Lanka usually win 75% of the matches. I also think the Indians have bowled well to him on these flat wickets.
On his side's fielding
There's been a clear difference in fielding between the two sides. We have had quite a few lapses. The Indians have out-fielded us.
Harbhajan Singh
On whether there was any pressure on him to perform
There was no such pressure. It was just a matter of working hard and getting back one's rhythm. I bowled well in the Challenger Trophy and tried out different angles and different deliveries. I was looking forward to this series and I'm happy I have done well so far.
On whether the early breakthroughs have helped him
Definitely. When you take a wicket in your first two or three overs, it builds your confidence.
On his strategy of coming around the wicket
It's all a part of planning for a particular batsman. It has worked when I have bowled round the wicket to the left-handers but if required I will bowl that way to the right-handers also.
Mohammad Kaif
On his return to the side
I'm looking forward to it. I felt fine while playing in the Duleep Trophy game at Aurangabad. I got a fifty in the first innings and was hitting the ball well.
On the team's success
We've started well. There are some fresh guys and the Dravid-Chappell combination is working well. There is healthy competition in the side. It's important we carry on and get the job done.
On the team experimenting
We're trying out different combinations. Sri Lanka is a good side and it will give the youngsters an ideal chance to test themselves out.
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan is staff writer of Cricinfo