'Australia's reign in World Cricket is over'

CANBERRA: Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene said Australia's reign in World Cricket is over and claimed that India's five wicket win against the hosts at MCG has opened up the tri-series competition.

''It does open things up now. If we win, everyone has got one win each,'' Jayawerdene said while speaking media persons here.

''Yes, they are playing some good cricket but on and off. They are being pushed to the limit which is a good thing.

''The rest of the world is catching up to them, especially in one-day cricket.''

With Sunday's five-wicket win, India now is at the top of the tri-series standings. Sri Lanka will take on India at Manuka Oval on Tuesday.
  
The 30-year-old Jayawerdene said his side will make sure to improve their performance from their last outing so as to make the competition more interesting.
  
''We just need to make sure that we give our best shot and make this tournament much more interesting than what it is.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 125 to Australia's 253 in a dismal batting display against Australia in Sydney on Friday, with the Aussies winning by 128 runs.

''We just need to come back strong after the last outing that we had. Our batting is a bit of a concern.

''For us we need to think positive. We think we can win the next four or five games in a row and get ourselves into that final,'' he said.

He said India will have a challenge ahead of them to continue their Melbourne's performance consistently.

''The challenge for them will be to try to be consistent over a period of time. They are playing some very good cricket, there's no doubt about that,'' Jayawardene said.