We have to get back to run-scoring ways: Bayliss

“Last match was probably the first time on this tour that we didn’t bat well. We had scored over 300 runs in the previous matches that we should have done (in the last match) to have a fair chance. First of all we have to get back to scoring runs and then you can put pressure on the opposition. Doesn’t matter what team you are, if you are under pressure, you lose wickets,” he said.

Sanath Jayasuriya opened batting during Lanka’s net session probably indicating his inclusion in the playing 11. “There is always a chance (for him to play). The last two games we made a decision to play spinners and unfortunately that meant Sanath missed out those two games. We haven’t finalised the team yet, we will be meeting this afternoon to finalise our combination,” he noted.

Mahela Jayawardene has not been amongst runs in the one-day series, but the Australian backed the star batsman to come up with goods soon. “What happens when top three players score heavily is that the guys down the order don’t get to do a lot of batting. I would say he is out of runs but not out of form. He has been hitting the ball very well. As we saw in the Test matches, he is a world class player and it’s not long before we see the best of him again,” he explained.

Bayliss termed the absence of MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh as an opportunity for the Indian youngsters. “May be India are having a bigger advantage as we have had five guys go back home on this tour. Yes, they are two world class players but I am sure the younger guys coming into the side will provide them the energy and they will be trying their best to cement their places in the side. From the effort point of view, I don’t see it will be any different from India this time,” he elaborated.

Catching and fielding from both the sides has been mediocre and Bayliss said these things happen in cricket. “It’s (Indian f ielding) probably a little similar to ours at the moment. We have got some good fielders and India have some. There are some guys that need to be working out, that’s for sure. But it’s something like us they are working out. Sometimes you go through that period and the confidence is not as good as it should be,” he pointed out.