The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : ‘These things happen'

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‘These things happen'

Dambulla: Sri Lanka vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene said Kumar Sangakkara was on the blind side when he turned for a second run and made physical contact with New Zealand off-spinner Nathan McCullum.

Mahela, who was Sangakkara's partner in the middle when the incident occurred, said, “These things happen.”

He also said it was impossible to battle inclement weather. “We just need to concentrate on the game against India. We have been playing some good cricket. We need to focus on things we can control.”

The right-handed batsman said, “It was not an easy wicket to bat initially. It played a bit slow and we had to take our time. I think we accelerated at the right time. We had a great foundation to use the last few overs.”

Mahela was all praise for Chamara Silva's batting. “He seems like a World Cup specialist. Comes good when the big competition is approaching. He is confident, has a lot of shots.”

He said it was time to put the Suraj Randiv no-ball controversy behind. “What happened was an unfortunate incident. We take total responsibility and, as a team, I think it is time we move on. We are definitely looking forward to the game against India.”

On his own performances with the bat, Mahela said, “I was disappointed in the last two games. And I got that decision (against India). Some decisions go your way, some do not. You have to take these things in your stride.”

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor said paceman Kyle Mills was not aware of Law 17.1 when he landed a warm-up delivery on the pitch. “This happened with us earlier also. It involved Chris Martin in a practice match some time back.” — Special Correspondent

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