How do you look at the ongoing series?
The series is quite competitive. Sri Lanka are sitting pretty with a 1-0 lead. You must not forget the role played by Muttiah Muralitharan in the first Test. Those eight wickets which took him to 800 were precious. Sri Lanka have a good chance to beat India again. They look stronger.
How badly will Sri Lanka miss Muralitharan?
Well, Murali has been a champion bowler for so many years. Sri Lanka will miss him big time. However, the youngsters will have to pull up their socks. We have quite a few talented youngsters. They will have to learn the art of picking up wickets at the top level. The void left by Murali will be difficult to fill. However, these youngsters need to learn to take those 20 wickets.
Lasith Malinga seems to be doing a good job leading the pace attack…
We have quite a few young fast bowlers who can bowl 140 kph-plus regularly. That is a good sign for Sri Lanka. But the important thing is to bowl consistently and pick up wickets. They have to put up their best show if given chance to play.
Do you think it is unfair to expect bowlers to keep bowling on placid wickets?
Being a fast bowler, I don’t think it’s unfair to bowl on any surface. I have taken so many wickets on these tracks. And I have picked up many wickets at this very venue (SSC). Like I said, bowlers should work hard to take wickets and it should not be easy.
How do you rate Kumar Sangakkara as a captain?
He is doing a pretty good job. He has been consistent in all formats. I feel he is a cool-headed guy and taking the side in the right direction. The boys are doing pretty well under him.
Where do you think India’s bowling is going wrong?
Bowling is not easy these days. You have to be on top of your fitness all through the year. Ishant (Sharma) is one of the best bowlers to have come from India in recent times. I saw him in the Indian Premier League and he’s quite fast. But I think he needs to work on his fitness and skills. Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth and Ishant have been revelations.
Do you aim to play in the World Cup?
I am playing T20 and one-day games in England. I always let the bat and ball do the talking. If I can play the World Cup, it will be good. My performance in the county circuit has been very good. The rest is up to the selectors. We have a good chance to win the World Cup as it’s happening in the sub-continent.
Who do you think are favourites to win the 2011 World Cup?
I think Sri Lanka have a good chance. Our batting is pretty strong and so is our bowling.
Do you think India deserve the No.1 Test ranking?
The way they have played Test cricket in the last one year shows their hunger to win. They have done very well in the last one season. They have quite a few talented youngsters including a good set of fast bowlers.
What’s your take on UDRS?
UDRS should be made compulsory. Why shouldn’t we make the best use of technology?
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