Sanath Jayasuriya : 'We want to play as a unit, that it is what I asked from the start'

With the international match-fixing furore refusing to abide International one-day cricket returns to the Sub-continent in the form of the Asia Cup. Despite the plethora of one-day internationals now played each year this tournament is being keenly anticipated in Asia. The axis of world cricket is moving inexorably towards Asia and this year's Asia Cup in Dhaka thus represents a valued trophy. Against their closest brothers the battle will commence on May 28th.

For Sri Lanka the tournament brings to an end a welcome break from the exhausting treadmill of international cricket. An opportunity for the bowlers to rest their aching limbs, and for the batsmen to regain that vital mental sharpness. Another congested programme now stretches ahead with the Asia Cup being immediately followed by test series against Pakistan and South Africa and a triangular series in between.

Speaking to CricInfo after one of the final practice sessions the Sri Lankan captain, Sanath Jayasuriya, was grateful for the break and looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead: "It's been really good to have a break. The fast bowlers in particular needed to after playing since last August. We started practicing about one and a half months ago and have been doing a lot of fitness and skills training since. Everyone is fresh and we hope to do well in the coming Asia Cup."

"We are looking to play positive cricket, like we have been doing during the last few months, but most importantly we want us to play as a unit. That is what I asked from the start and that is what we have been doing since."

The unity that he refers to is the key to Sri Lanka's success since the 1999 World Cup debacle (Sri Lanka have won the Aiwa Cup, Zimbabwe series and Pakistan series since August 1999). To the casual observer the togetherness of purpose is as clearly visible as the disunity that was evident in England. Much of the credit for this transformation goes to Sanath Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka's present captain is an egalitarian captain. He accepts his additional, and often arduous, responsibilities without demanding special status or treatment. Demanding no more from his players than he is prepared to give himself, he has quickly gained the respect of the side. A respect that insured him the necessary support during a string of batting failures after the hand injury he sustained in last years Carlton and United Series in Australia.

Dismissed six out of eight times for less than ten runs during the Sharjah Cup and in Zimbabwe last year he came under real pressure for his opening slot but worked hard and eventually returned to form with two half centuries in the last one-day series in Pakistan.

He now hopes that the corner has now been turned: "I am happy with my form now. I have been working with Dave on a number of things and these have been going well. So I hope to do well in the forthcoming Asia Cup."

The vibrant team spirit that has been fostered means that Sri Lanka are clear favorites to retain the Asia Cup. Their opponents, Pakistan and India, are not enjoying happy times at the moment and will have to overcome acute tiredness - Pakistan literally fly from the last test match in West Indies straight into their first match - rampant disunity, and perhaps most importantly, the omnipresent match fixing allegations that hang over their heads, if they are to win. One doesn't doubt the talent but you have to question whether either of Sri Lanka's opponents will be so mentally prepared.

The Sri Lankan strategy looks set to change in this tournament. The much celebrated but little scrutinised Sanath/Kalu opening partnership will be ended, and Aravinda De Silva will be given a chance to bat for 50 overs. In fact one could argue that the exciting partnership has actually never really succeeded. Even in the 1996 World Cup the pair only averaged 27. During the last 1I matches they have opened together this has increased to 36 but this still remains far from satisfactory.

The likely middle order of Marvan Attapattu, Mahela Jayawardena, Russel Arnold and T.M. Dilshan certainly has a reassuring feel to it even if it still lacks a little experience at present and needs to display greater consistency.

Traditionally the bowling department has represented the Sri Lankan's Achilles Heal, the Sri Lankan motto in the past being: "we can chase anything but defend nothing." Times have changed now and despite the absence of the miserly Pramodya Wickramasinghe the attack is disciplined and varied. A multitude of spinning options, including the match-winning Mutiah Muralitharan, is supported by hard working seam department, ably led by the experienced Chaminda Vaas.

On this tour Sajeeva De Silva gets the nod over Puspakumara and Gallage for his ability hit the pitch and greater variety, whilst Kaushalya Weereratne, who is likely to make his debut in the firs match, is given a welcome opportunity to display his promising all round talents at the tender age of 19.

With the pitch in Dhaka improving for batting over the years we can expect some challenging scores. In all three matches played there this year (if you include the ICC Cricket Week) the side batting first has topped 300. In the 16 matches played in 1998/99 the average first class score was 261.

Win or lose the tournament represents a significant stepping stone in the nation's quest to become World Champions again in 2003. The foundation for future success is there already and the young talent is impatiently knocking at the door. The future should be bright.