
COLOMBO, JULY 13: Sri Lanka8217;s new cricket captain Sanath Jayasuriya says he has been promised 8220;fullest support8221; by Arjuna Ranatunga, who was removed from the top job last week.
8220;I have had a long chat with both Arjuna and Aravinda former vice-captain. and they have assured their fullest support,8221; said Jayasuriya at his first press conference as captain on Monday.
He said he had also told all other team members that he needs 8220;100 per cent8221; from each one of them. 8220;We have a big task ahead. We have to play against the world champions next month and India. If all three departments 8212; batting, bowling and fielding 8212; come together, we can make it,8221; he said.
Jayasuriya said Ranatunga was 8220;an experienced guy8221; whose services were 8220;needed8221; by the team. He said all members of the team are fit and in training.
Talking about his own form, Jayasuriya said he had got over his injuries and hoped to be back to his own self in the forthcoming matches.
8220;I always try and play my natural game. I have no plans of changing my batting style,8221; he said.
Jayasuriya said he was looking forward to the arrival of Dave Whatmore, who was recently appointed coach of the Sri Lankan team, to sort out the poor batting form of the entire team. Whatmore is expected to take up his appointment on August 1.
8220;Batting has been the failure. Once Dave comes, we will have a chat and see how we can improve the batting,8221; he said.