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ESPNcricinfo staff
October 10, 2011
Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lanka captain, has said the senior players in the team have the responsibility of ending Sri Lanka's recent struggles in Tests while at the same time nurturing the next generation of cricketers. Sri Lanka's last Test victory came at Galle against India in July 2010 and this year they have lost series away to England and at home to Australia.
"I think it is our responsibility (as the senior players) to ensure that it is a smooth transition at the same time trying to build another team for the next 10 years," said a Jayawardene released by Dubai Sports City. "We can not be here that long, but as we are, we must ensure we build a team, make sure that these guys are comfortable, and they will take Sri Lankan cricket over the next 10 to 15 years and try to improve what everyone did.
"I think we accomplished a lot in Sri Lanka cricket in the last 20 years, there are many people who are a part of it, and we managed to get ahead, and I hope the next generation will do the same. "
Sri Lanka has a chance to break their losing streak when they take on Pakistan in three tests in the United Arab Emirates, the first of which begins on October 18 and Jayawardene said the team remains positive despite the current sterile race . "Yes, we have not won a test match for a good year and a half, but I think we played some good cricket and we had our chances. We just have to push a little more and create some opportunities to catch more of them."
Jayewardene also admitted his retirement Muttiah Muralitharan - the wheel is the last test was also the last victory of Sri Lanka - have been difficult to overcome. "Murali has taken 800 Test wickets, the most by any bowler in world cricket, then you know that with him on the side, it will create something for you, even in difficult situations.
"Most of the time it winds through the formations, but also in difficult times, you will create the opportunity to change the game, is a magician, and apparently without him is a big hole to fill."
Sri Lanka have turned to offspinner Suraj Randiv and left arm spinner Rangana Herath Mural shoes to fill, and Jayawardene said the couple needed to carry that mantle. "There are a couple of young spinners who played with Murali and worked very well and now has to take charge and carry out the attack."
Sri Lanka will play three Tests, five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international against Pakistan.
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