Dilshan keen to maintain his good run

“I had a great start to the year in Bangladesh with a century in each innings. Then I changed my batting position and moved up to open the batting,” said the 33-year-old, whose 11th Test ton was the sixth of the year. “I have started to play well and I want to carry on in the same form.

“This was a better knock than the last hundred (112 in Ahmedabad). The wicket is really challenging,” he remarked. “I had to play watchfully and it was tough. This is a very good Test wicket. If they bowl in the right areas, the bowlers can exploit the conditions. The game is very even at the moment. We have got 366 for eight. If we get to 400 and beyond, it will be good for us.”

When in full flight, Dilshan’s innings was cut short by an umpiring error. Nigel Llong ruled him caught at short leg even though there was no contact between bat or glove and ball. “If the Review System had been there, maybe I would still be batting out there,” Dilshan admitted.

“I wanted to bat the whole day and put the pressure back on the Indian team. Unfortunately, I got out at a crucial time but that’s the way it goes. I have to walk when a decision is made.”

Dilshan didn’t agree with suggestions that the track had eased out as the day progressed. “There’s a lot of pace and bounce in the track. This wicket is helping the bowlers. It’s not easy to bat and I thought the two spinners had an excellent day out there.”

Paying handsome compliments to Angelo Mathews, who held the innings together after Dilshan’s dismissal with an unbeaten 86, he went on, “It’s great to see Angelo batting out there. Mahela, Sanga and the main batsmen got out and Angelo took the initiative to carry on. It’s great to watch him bat. He has matured a lot and is a very good prospect for Sri Lankan cricket.”