Date:12/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/12/stories/2008021257121900.htm

Sport - Cricket

Other teams catching up: Jayawardene

Canberra: Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene said Australia is not the force it used to be. “The other teams are catching up and it’s good for cricket,” he said.

Jayawardene, who appreciated the Indian pace bowlers’ performance, admitted that his team’s batting was a concern. “I guess you will have those odd bad days. Australia, despite playing seven batsmen, made little against India,” he said.

About India’s win over Australia in Melbourne on Sunday, Jayawardene said, “We have to focus on what we have to do than look at the other teams.”

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said the more the Australian crowds booed him, the more determined he was. “We are not afraid of any team. Rather, the other sides should be wary of us,” said Harbhajan.

The spinner said struggling batsman Yuvraj Singh could be just one innings away from regaining his form.

Harbhajan was pleased with his own form. Recalling the Brad Haddin dismissal, he said he had seen Haddin leave the crease and decided to bowl one down the leg-side. — Special Correspondent