Jayawardene praises England

Mahela Jayawardene has praised England after they got to within two runs of their target against Sri Lanka yesterday in an absolute thriller.

“Ravi Bopara batted very well to drag the game out to the last few overs,” said the relieved captain.

“Full credit to them, but I thought our bowlers bowled very well. It was a brilliant all-round effort.

“We were 10-15 runs short and it was too close for comfort, but I thought this was very good for cricket.

“We had them at 133-6 and thought we were just one ball from exposing the tail, but Paul Nixon and Bopara did well.”

His English counterpart, Michael Vaughan, also lauded the efforts of Nixon and Bopara, who brought England tantalisingly close to a memorable victory.

“The dressing room, as you can imagine, is quiet but they should be proud of a superb effort.

“Ravi and ‘Nicco’ were brilliant and I thought we were going to do it, but it wasn’t to be. We’re gutted, but proud.”

“We were outstanding in the field and I thought the bowlers did everything I could have asked for in restricting them to 235. It was a total we felt we could chase.

“Obviously, it wasn’t the best start for us but at 100-2 we were cruising. Then we go and lose four quick wickets.

“However, for Ravi, at just 21, to keep his head so well in a cauldron of an atmosphere was unbelievable. Like I say, it’s disappointing, but we must look to the positives.”