The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

After scoring his 24th century on the 3rd day of the 1st test against Bangladesh, Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene has said he just wants to play for his country and also to continue his consistent form.

"Yes, every century is pleasing for me. I don't have any special target. I just want to continue to play for my country and to keep my consistent form. There are no big goals for me," he said at a post- match briefing at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) here Sunday.

Asked about Sri Lanka's position at the end of the third day, the Sri Lankan skipper said: "We are in a good position. This is what Test cricket is all about; you've to grind yourself at certain situations. We were not in a very good situation at the end of the first day. Probably, we should have batted a little better."

He thought the (Sri Lankan) bowlers did a very good job to comeback in the match. "We had to really push the advantage this morning… Bangladesh tried to put us under pressure. Sangakkara batted really well. Wasn't his prettiest knock but I'll take it as very useful," he said.

About the wicket, Mahela, the highest test scorer for Sri Lanka, said: "Wicket was a little bit low but bowlers bowled really well, seamer Mashrafe (Bin Mortaza) and the other seamer, (Mahbubul Alam) Robin bowled to good areas and created opportunities.

"We just had to make sure to bat for long periods… we know they have got spinners also so we just carried on with very good patience."

Replying to a query, the 31-year-old Mahela said that any century against any opponent is pleasing for him.

About the rest day (Monday), he thinks that the rest day will be good for their bowlers especially for the fast bowlers. "The guys will get a day extra to relax and come back strongly against Bangladesh in the next couple of days. From our point of view, it's a good thing for our fast bowlers and (also) Murali. They will get their legs up and relax," he said.

Mahela, however, told a questioner that he doesn't have a very good idea about Bangladesh elections. "I know that two women are running for the election. That's about it. I am not a huge political fan," he said.

The Sri Lankan skipper also admitted that he didn't hear the umpire's no ball call (on bowling of Robin) and started walking to the dressing room thinking he was out. "It was a good ball and I got the nick. You need luck in this game as well, sometimes."