The shorter game is more open - Jayawardene

The last time Mahela Jayawardene left Sri Lanka for a South African summer, the cricketing gods were not smiling on him and the 2003 World Cup was the low point of his fine career as he scored just 21 runs in nine matches.

Jayawardene returned to Johannesburg on Thursday but this time it was with a typically cheery Sri Lankan smile. The captain has had much to be pleased about in the last 18 months - his personal form was stunning as he led his team to the World Cup final, he was nominated alongside Ricky Ponting for the ICC's Captain of the Year award and he can still bask in the glory of the record 374 he scored in a Test against South Africa just over a year ago.

However, he was still reluctant to describe Sri Lanka as one of the favourites for the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 title. "It's going to be a challenge because we haven't played much Twenty20 cricket. And the shorter the version of the game, the more open it becomes for other teams. We will need to play to our strengths, apply all our skills and try different things depending on the situation. We will need a lot of cool heads because the game is very fast. If you panic, you will lose the battle."

Jayawardene was happy with his squad which is basically the same as the one that thrilled so many people in the Caribbean. Even without the injured Muttiah Muralitharan, the bowling attack is experienced and there are batsmen to cover most situations.

So no wonder the Sri Lankans are even more sunnily dispositioned than usual, which has helped new coach Trevor Bayliss enjoy a seamless settling-in period.

"The people have made it very easy, it's been a great three weeks. They are a fun-loving people and they really enjoy each other's company, which is an ingredient in any successful team," Bayliss said. "I haven't had much to do in that department then and the team is in good spirits."

And what of the challenges ahead for the former New South Wales coach?

"It's not just a new challenge coaching at international level, but coaching one of the most successful teams of the last three years. If they are going to have another two years of good results then, at this level, it's all about hard work. You also need to get things like the mental and physical preparation right and even the diets. You also rely on your support staff to fulfill an important role as well."

Bayliss was asked whether he was wishing for another Australia versus Sri Lanka final. "I'd like to see Sri Lanka in the final and I don't really mind who we play there. But Australia are obviously right up there to make the final, just because of the calibre of players they have. I think England and South Africa will do well too because they have the experience of playing lots of domestic Twenty20."