The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Victorious Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene thinks that setting a big target like 521 against Bangladesh was not wrong in the 1st Test of the Grameenphone Series at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS).

"Obviously, anyone can think it (the target) unnecessary and too much, but we knew the wicket hasn't changed much and ball was coming onto the bat nicely. More we batted on that wicket we realized it's going to be tough for us to get Bangladesh out," he said at a post-match press conference at the match venue Wednesday afternoon.

"They (Bangladesh) competed really well scoring over four hundred runs. We knew we won't be able to get them out for 150 or 200 on a wicket like that which was really good," the Sri Lankan skipper grudgingly admitted.

He, however, told a journalist that he never thought of losing the match.

On the performance of Bangladesh, Mahela said: "Not unusual at all. You know in the last couple of Test matches they were very close to win against New Zealand and probably one against South Africa as well. So, we knew they are capable of doing so. The way they played, I mean they batted very well. So, credit should go to them."

Mahela, who scored his highest 166 runs against Bangladesh in the 2nd innings, spoke highly of his bowlers. "Big effort from our bowlers on very slow wicket towards the end. It was a good Test match," he said.

Asked to compare the Bangladesh side with their previous tour in 2006, he said: "You can't compare, because we played them almost two years ago. Those were in different wickets and bowlers. As a group, they improved. But I can't compare two separate series which happened two years apart."

While rating Ashraful's innings, the 32-year-old Lankan skipper said: "Yeah, he (Ashraful) batted very well… played straight. He wasn't playing too many shots upfront, waited for the loose balls… We knew he could be the danger man for us because as long he was there the runs were coming. And we had to get his wicket. Good breakthrough for us from (Chaminda Vass) with the second new ball."

Asked if he had expected something more from Murali, he said: "Murali bowled really well. But some days, you know, even some of the good balls he was bowling, he wasn't getting wickets. That's how the game goes. But he never gave up, overall 10 wickets in a match. So, what more can I ask from him. If you get a bowler who is getting 5 wickets and 10 wickets every time he plays. I'm quite happy with Murali's efforts."

About Ajantha Mendis's return in the 2nd Test in Chittagong, Mahela said it does not matter whom they brought. "It's a new Test match for us. We'll take next few days off and will take rest and get back to our preparation, see the wicket in Chittagong and assess it. Hope, it will be another good Test match for us. That's how we take each match. You know we are not overconfident and overcautious. It's another Test match."

About his feelings before playing the 100th test match and also on the eve of 8,000 runs, the top order right-handed batsman said: "I am very proud of playing for my country. It's as simple as that. I never imagined to play 100 Test matches; obviously the opportunity was there. I am very proud to have done that and there is no pressure for me."