Jayasuriya eyeing return in England ODIs

Sri Lanka all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya says he is still fit to play international cricket and waiting for an opportunity to play in the ODI series against England later this month.

With opener Upul Tharanga unlikely to be considered for selection after being embroiled in an alleged doping scandal, Jayasuriya could be the most likely option to open the innings.

"Definitely I want to play for my country. That is why I have not announced retirement from One-day cricket till date. To play for Sri Lanka has always been my priority," Jayasuriya said on Wednesday.

"If any such offer comes my way, I would like to grab it for sure," the 41-year-old added.

Sri Lanka, currently playing a Test series in England, is scheduled to play a lone T20 match in Bristol on June 25, followed by five One-dayers from June 28 to July 9.

Jayasuriya, who announced retirement from Test cricket in 2007 and played his last ODI in December 2009 against India, believes the break hasn't affected his form and fitness.

"I have been away from the game for eight or nine months hardly. I had played the T20 World Championship, domestic cricket, trial matches before the ODI World Cup and IPL. I was not away from the game. I am fit enough to play international cricket," said the veteran, who will celebrate his 42nd birthday on June 30.

"I am not talking about my future now. The series against England is in my radar as of now," said Jayasuriya, who is the only player to score in excess of 13,000 runs and capture more than 300 wickets in One-day Internationals.

The 'Matara Marauder' also does not intend changing his style of play.

"I have never changed my style. I am playing the way I used to play 20 years back. I will keep doing that in future also," he said.

In 2008, his ODI career was as good as over after being omitted for a series in the West Indies.

However, a stirring performance in the IPL, in which he tallied 514 runs, forced Sri Lanka's sports minister to intervene in team selection for the Asia Cup.

His selection proved beneficial for the team, as he made useful contributions, including a century in the title clash in Sri Lanka's triumphant campaign.