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05, July 2012 (Cricturf): Mahela Jayawardane Captain of Sri Lanka regrets his decision of putting Pakistan into bat first after winning the Toss in the second Test in Colombo. Mahela expressed his views regarding the match at the post match media briefing today(4th) after the match ended in a draw.

"As the Captain, I'm taking the responsibility of taking such a decision. It was a gamble in a way and I think it was not a very good one where we almost paid the price for that" answered Mahela.  He also said that, "by putting them to bat first, our plan was to get three or four early wickets in the first session. However, it quite didn't work for us to get the advantage. After that its always bit tough for us to get back into the match"

Mahela expressing about the wicket in SSC which is also his club level home ground said ; "This is the typical SSC wicket. As everyone know, SSC is very helpful for batting and it's very hard work for the bowlers here. Batsman are are always very much comfortable on this track."

Skipper is highly impressed with the way Kumar Sangakkara and T.M Dilshan batted  through out the test series and he also agreed that others are not yet in their usual performances while highlighting the batting of Prasanna Jayawardanes  1st Test and Angelo Mathews during the 2nd match.

"Kumar played absolutly brilliant with lots of patience and lots of stamina and same with Dili. He is  batting pretty well and showing some aggressiveness too" Said Mahela during his briefing.

Mahela also explained about the overall performance of the team during the 2nd match, "Overall, this match was a challenge to us, we had to try hard and put lot of effort to end this game with this result because  Pakistan  always had the upper hand comparing to us".

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• Highlights: 5th Day - 2nd Test - Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 04/07/2012.
  
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Another question was raised about the performance of the young opening paceman Nuwan Pradeep. Mahela explained "He is a young bowler we have, he bowled well in certain aspects. He should improve his line and length with much more discipline to go forward." He also explained that Nuwan has only played few matches and he will be a asset for Sri Lanka in as a young bowler with time. Nuwan Pradeep played only 3 matches so far and picked only one wicket in Test cricket.

Mahela is not concerend about replacing Dinesh Chandimal as a opener for Paranavithana. "We don't want to spoil Chandimal's future by randomly entering him as an opener for just just one match. And taking Paranavithana off is It will not a solution at this moment. We are looking forward to take a constructive solution for Chandimal after deciding the most suitable position for him in Tests." said Mahela.

Dinesh Chandimal has played 3 Test matches so far and has scored 206 Runs with 2 half centuries.

Pakistan gave a 261 winning target for Sri Lanka in 37 overs after batting one over after the Tea break of the final day. According to Sri Lankan captain, Sri Lanka had the expectations to chase down a total of 230, 240 in 40 to 45 overs to win the match.

Mahela agreed that Sri Lanka batting units  are hoping to tweak up the loopholes for upcoming final test at Kandy. The combination of the final match is not yet decided and the wicket of the Pallekale stadium will decide the formation of the team.

"This is good for us, that we knowing where we are right now, and need to push up further to try winning the next match and win the series" "Pallekale wicket will be a challenge for both of teams" Mahela added his final thoughts.

Sri Lanka will play their final and the 3rd Test of the 3-Test series at Pallekale stadium next Sunday (8th). Sri Lanka has a fair chance of winning the series against Pakistan . Sri Lanka has not been able to win a test series since the last series win against touring New Zealand team in 2009)Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in 2 match Test Series 2-0).

Sri Lanka Test Series' from the last Test Series win

Stats : ESPNCricinfo

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