'Spinners have been exceptional'

Sri Lankan stalwart Sanath Jayasuriya believes the reputation of both India and Sri Lanka batsmen as good players of spin has been belied in the ongoing Test series.

The former captain, however, was appreciative of the efforts of the spinners, who played a key role in boosting their respective team’s performance.

Jayasuriya, however, felt it was the Sri Lankans who looked more at sea against the spin. “I think Sri Lanka has struggled more in the series so far (while playing the spinners). We think we are adept at playing spin but are struggling. I will give credit to spinners from both the sides. Rangana Herath, Tharindu Kaushal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Harbhajan Singh have bowled exceptionally well. The batsmen need to be mindful of the conditions and play accordingly,” said Jayasuriya on the sidelines of the inauguration of a school football league here.

The ‘Marauder from Matara’ had special words of praise for Ashwin’s performance. “Ashwin has so far bowled to his strength, he has shown a lot of skill. He has bowled in the right areas and bowled with conviction,” said the lankan.

The southpaw also believeed the with the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara, the onus was now on the youngsters to lead Sri Lankan cricket.

“You can’t replace people like Kumar Sangakkara, Till­ekaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene. It takes time to co­me up with players of that quality. But when people retire, we have got to keep faith in youngsters, like at present we have Lahiru Thirimanne, Dine­sh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews. You have to be patience, they will deliver,” he added.