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Jayasuriya disappointed with series

December 07, 2002 16:08 IST
Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya said he was less than satisfied with his side's performance after their six-wicket loss to South Africa in the fifth and final one-day international on Friday.

South Africa were scarcely troubled as they chased down Sri Lanka's 228 for eight with six wickets in hand and four overs and five balls to spare, Neil McKenzie finishing unbeaten on 70. The win gave South Africa a 4-1 victory in the series.

After winning just one game against the South Africans, Jayasuriya said that despite one or two positive signs, it had been a disappointing series.

"Some players are getting used to playing in these kind of conditions -- people like Marvan (Atapattu) and (Kumar) Sangakkara who played well today. The problem is we are not consistent, we need someone to bat long innings.

"There are plus points, but overall it was not that good," Jayasuriya said.

Sri Lanka's coach Dav Whatmore was also frustrated at the way some of the batsmen gave their wickets away cheaply during

the series.

"It happens too often. Every game you hear Sanath say the same things and I repeat a few things myself too," he said.

"You get situations where a lovely little gift is given to the opposition. Our batsmen have to work hard for their runs. They have to really get stuck in and not let up in the slightest," Whatmore said.

South African coach Eric Simons was happy with a job well done.

"We did set ourselves a five-nil target but I think we're very happy with what we've achieved," Simons said.

"I certainly, as a coach learned a lot from what happened on Sunday (in South Africa's only defeat of the series in Benoni). I think the guys did as well and the way they've come back from that is really good.

"We achieved a lot of targets that we set ourselves so that's good," Simons said.

Marcus Prior
Source: REUTERS
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