Jayasuriya: We played hard right from the start

Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya was delighted after his side convincingly beat India by 10 wickets in the Galle Test. After the match,the Sri Lankan captain said, "It was very pleasing, as we haven't had a victory against India for 16 years."

"We played our natural game and played hard right from the start. We bowled well, especially Dilhara (Fernando), who took the initiative away from India. Murali then cleaned up things for us," remarked Jayasuriya.

The southpaw from Matara feels that the burden on Muralitharan's shoulders has been reduced,"It's pleasing to note that there are a lot of upcoming fast bowlers in Sri Lanka now. We don't have any fears about our future fast bowling reserves."

With the bowlers having done a decent job, it was then up to the batsman to put the side on top. "Marvan (Atapattu) and I started well and then Kumar (Sangakkara), who had been in the best of form, played brilliantly to ensure that we had a lead of 175."

Coach Dav Whatmore admitted that the team enjoys playing in Galle. "When we win by ten wickets things have gone our way. But it's not a strange phenomenona for us in this venue. This has been a happy hunting ground for us."

However, Whatmore sounded a note of caution. "This was just one game. We are in the beginning of reconstructing the team, so that we do not only do well in home conditions, but will prosper away as well."

Before the match there was some debate as to who should keep wicket. Whatmore admitted that it was a tough job for Sangakkara, who also bats at number three "It's a physically demanding job and Kumar (Sangakkara) needs to be extremely fit. It is not an ideal situation, but he is willing to take on the challenge."

Jaysuriya defended the selection of Suresh Perera, who did not perform with the bat and failed to bowl in the second innings. "Suresh (Perera) is an exciting all rounder and we need to groom him for the future. I thought he bowled well in the first innings and was only not used in the second because the pitch suited the spinners more."