Sri Lanka v Australia, 2nd Test, Kandy, 5th day

'Our batting and catching let us down'

Wisden Cricinfo staff

March 20, 2004

For Hashan Tillakaratne, it was the second time in consecutive Tests that his side had let slip the initiative. Here's what he had to say about the Kandy defeat:

On the result
It was so disappointing. We had our chances but just gave them [away] on a platter once again. It was so close and yet so far. We told our players to remain positive, and that this target was gettable. There were so many soft dismissals down the line. Our batting and catching really let us down in this Test.

On Sri Lanka's tactics in the morning
Our intention was to remain positive this morning. We told Vaasy [Chaminda Vaas] to get as much strike as possible. When he got the reprieve [he was dropped by Andy Symonds off Shane Warne] he should have just settled down and rotated the strike, but that's how the game goes.

Sri Lanka's problem areas
The middle order is a concern. I am trying hard to get some runs, but disappointed that I am getting out so cheaply. There are other batsmen who are getting thirties and forties but not getting the big ones. [Our] catching has really let us down. We dropped [Damien] Martyn when he was on 0, and then at 65. I know that no-one wants to miss a catch purposely, but they were very costly.

On where Sri Lanka lost this Test
After getting them out for 120, I think we lost the match in our first innings. We could have batted more sensibly and should have got a bigger total than 211 - that's where we got it wrong.

© Cricinfo

	Email

Watch our daily Cricinfo SportsCenter news round-ups Available on Cricinfo.tv     Live scores, results, news, features and more - a click away Download the Cricinfo Toolbar     Live scores, news & ball-by-ball commentary on your phone Cricinfo Mobile

Stories

5th day Bulletin

Match home

Matches

Sri Lanka v Australia at Kandy

Players/Umpires

Hashan Tillakaratne

Series/Tournaments

Australia tour of Sri Lanka

Teams

Australia

Sri Lanka