Jayasuriya claims whitewash to be one of Sri Lanka's finest performances

Charlie Austin

December 3, 2001

Captain Sanath Jayasuriya acclaimed his side's three-nil series whitewash over West Indies as one of the finest ever performances by Sri Lanka.

Speaking after the home team completed their 10-wicket victory and their first series whitewash on Monday afternoon, he said: "This was one of the best series we ever played and the key factor was that both the bowlers and the batsmen struck form together."

"We really played as a team and the team spirit has been good throughout. We were a bit down after we lost the final to Pakistan in Sharjah but we had a long chat and knew we had a very good chance of beating the West Indies. But we never thought that we could do it with a three-nil margin."

West Indies started the day on 145 for two before being bowled out for 262 as they lost their last five wickets for just 18 runs.

"It was crucial we got Lara, Hooper and Sarwan out early because they have been playing well in this series," said Jayasuriya. "But the key to our win here was that our batsmen gave us a lead of 237 in the first innings."

Jayasuriya praised the efforts of left-arm fast-bowler who took 14 wickets in the match to record the second best figures in Sri Lanka's 19-year Test history.

"With Muralitharan getting five or six wickets all the time Vaas has not been in the limelight, but he has been regularly picking up three of four wickets," he said. "This Test, however, Vaas picked up seven wickets in each innings I am very happy for him.

"He bowled really well. The wicket was so easy to bat on and he got his wickets with reverse swing. It's not easy to bat when Vaas is swinging the ball both ways with the old ball."

"With Vaas bowling so well and with Dilhara and Zoysa, we have now have, fitness permitting, a good combination of fast bowlers, especially for next world cup.

Coach Dav Whatmore, clearly delighted and with a rare grin on his face, spoke afterwards of a newfound confidence in the side.

"When West Indies got 390 runs without anyone saying anything the atmosphere in the dressing room was that we could get those runs and then get a lead," he said

"It is tremendous achievement to win a three Test series three-nil in just 19 years of Test cricket. We are really happy"

"With every Test match that is played we have a number players gaining valuable experience and with us winning they learn quicker. From their point of view it's great to see them kick on and mature so quickly."

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Players/Umpires

Sanath Jayasuriya

Series/Tournaments

West Indies tour of Sri Lanka

Teams

Sri Lanka

West Indies