Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya. - Reuters BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):
The wisdom gained by playing at the highest level for 17 years has come in handy for Sanath Jayasuriya.
The veteran SriLankan left-hander was the hero of the 1996 World Cup and is hoping to be the talisman in 2007 in the Caribbean edition of the tournament.
"I'm not thinking big runs at the moment or a big bag of wickets. I'm thinking team and how I can lift the hopes and aspirations of the people back home," Jayasuriya said.
Great feeling
"I remember how great a feeling it was back in 1996 when we won and how the people back home reacted. We have some wonderful memories and we played very well. I would love to do that again."
Jayasuriya is rated among the best opening batsmen in the world. He has made 11,538 runs, with 23 centuries in 379 one-day internationals. Back in 1996, he revolutionised batting by smashing the ball over the infield in the opening overs of the innings.
He is also a clever left-arm spinner with 285 wickets at an average of 36.96.
"My batting represents my natural game. From the time I was a little boy I always played my natural game and it was always to attack. It is always when I get set, to remain positive and always try to go through to the end of the innings," he pointed out.
He said that even at age 37 he was still enjoying the game and felt at ease with the younger members of the squad.
"I'm still enjoying my game and I'm playing really good cricket and the team is playing really good cricket," the former captain said.
"We have come to the West Indies in good form. I know I have a responsibility with both the bat and the ball and I will be trying my best to perform for the team.
"Most of the teams are in with a very good chance. In this World Cup you cannot take anyone lightly. You have to play really, really good cricket if you want to win the Cup.
"The major countries are doing really well and then you have the West Indies who will have home advantage. You can't take things easy. All the teams are competitive, but I'm confident we can be there at the end."
