“We were not consistent with the bat," he said after the Lankans crashed out following a fifth defeat in seven games. “The bowling has been pretty decent and they have created a lot of pressure, but the concern has been our batting. It is not just technical. It has also to do with confidence. The batsmen are not spending time in the middle, they are getting out before they are getting in.”

Sri Lanka were rolled over for 179 on a very good batting surface. “We knew it would be tough in the morning. We got a very good start, but another collapse in the middle set us back and it was difficult to recover.

Kapugedera batted well, but 179 was never going to be enough. We needed 260 or 270 to make a match of it.”
The Lankans entered the World Cup final last April, but have failed since to impress in one-day cricket. “The standards have come down,” Jayawardene admitted. “We have done well in Test matches but have not been consistent in one-day cricket. We need to find the right formula to start winning again. We have got the talent, we must be a bit more patient with the young guys and give them time. We must have belief in them and the senior group needs to take a bit more responsibility.”

About on-field exchanges, the right-handed batsman observed, “That is part of the game as long as you don’t cross lines. It is up to the individuals to realise that they don't go above the law and be stupid. As players, we enjoy a bit of aggressiveness, but like I said, it must all be within limits.”

Jayawardene's views were sought on the imminent finals. "It should be interesting," he replied. "The first game will be very important. There is all to play for. These two teams have been going at each other for quite some time now, almost two months. Australia have not played to their standards and they still keep winning, while India have shown form in the later part of the league phase. Whoever gets the first game will have the edge in the best of three finals.”