Sri Lanka cricket legend Mahela Jayawardene believes Sri Lanka has an upper hand in the two-test series against England, in which the first test will kick off in Galle from Thursday (14).
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the Sri Lankan legend said “With Stokes missing, England don’t have that same experience in the top order, so I make it 50-50. I don’t think they’re going as favourites. I think Sri Lanka have something in them”.
Commenting on the Sri Lankan team, Jayawardene revealed that there were new talents, such as all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga, the leg-spinner, who bats at seven, and seamer Dasun Shanaka, who bowled really well in South Africa.
He further said Angelo Mathews is returning for the series after the injury, and Dinesh Chandimal should be fit as well, which puts two experienced guys in the middle order to support Dimuth Karunaratne at the top.
Jayawardene said it is all about that discipline in the longer format and how you cope with pressure for four to five days.
He said however, it was unfortunate that Dhananjaya de Silva has a long-term injury, but Kusal Mendis is a talent, and has scored seven hundreds in his short Test career, and knows how to go big. (NewsWire)