Jayawardene relishing opening with Sehwag in IPL 5

Posted In : Sports
(added 28 Apr 2012)

Jayawardene relishing opening with Sehwag in IPL 5Mahela Jayawardene, playing for Delhi Daredevils in the fifth edition of IPL has said that, he is enjoying his role as an opener, as it gives him ample of opportunities to go for the big shots at the start of the innings. "Opening the innings gives me more opportunities to go for runs, hit boundaries during the powerplays, then try and control the situation," Jayawardene said after the Daredevils' convincing 37-run win against Mumbai Indians in an IPL match here on Friday.

Jayawardene's knock helped Daredevils reach 207/5 in 20 overs. His 42-ball 55 included 8 boundaries. The Sri Lankan player utilised the opportunity that he got and played an important knock at the top of the order, which indeed helped Kevin Pietersen to take over after his dismissal.

When asked if accomodating David Warner in the team would cause a headache as all the overseas players are performing very well, he said it would be a healthy headache. "It will be a healthy headache for the team management," said Jayawardene. Pleased with the team's performance the Sri Lankan hopes the team does well in the remaining matches as well.

"We would like to play like this. Credit to all the boys. Our closest (win) was against Deccan Chargers when KP single-handedly took us to victory." Jayawardene played sensibly on Friday night, as he took over, but when skipper started to execute his shots, he was seen rotating the strike, and said understanding each other is the key for the team's success.

"We have an understanding among ourselves. Today I got into a rhythm but when Viru got his eye in, I tried to rotate the strike. When KP came in he took over." Asked about his role in the team, he said there is a need to complement other players.

"We are a group of players and my job is to complement the likes of Viru, KP, Ross and Irfan. We are gelling pretty well." When reporters asked him if playing Lasith Malinga helped him, as he is playing against the devastating bowler, the Sri Lankan admitted that it helps but also added that playing him wasn't easy. Moreover, Daredevils did not let him get a good start, but appreciated his country-mate and said he had been good, could have picked wickets on his day.

"Playing Malinga in the nets does help, but even playing him in the nets is not easy at times. We didn't let him get off to a good start today. He bowled to a very good line, don't think he was stiff. He gave 100 percent and the first over was very good, on any other day he could have taken wickets."

(added 28 Apr 2012) / 1112 views

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