Jayawardene unhappy

Mahela Jayawardene scored two fifties in the CB series

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has branded his side’s batting displays during the recent Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia as “below par”.

Sri Lanka won only two games during the triangular series - against India in the fifth match and against Australia in the 12th - while Kumar Sangakkara was the only player to hit a century in a largely disappointing tour.

Jayawardene, who averaged 35.66 and scored two half centuries, said: “I thought our batting on the tour of Australia was below par and as the captain I take full responsibility for the poor performance.

“The top order and the middle order were out of form and this was really the cause for the tour going badly.

“I must add here that batsmen such as Sanath Jayasuriya, TM Dilshan and Chamara Silva are world class players. It was a pity they didn’t come good during this tour.

“As for Dilshan opening, it was by accident as we tried him in the shortened game.

Sri Lanka's decision to open with Tillakaratne Dilshan did not pay off © Getty Images

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“As Tharanga was out of form we continued with the plan but it didn’t come off.”

The skipper was more impressed with his bowlers, however, and is upbeat about Sri Lanka’s chances on the forthcoming tour of West Indies.

“The bowling was very good and all three teams did well in that department.

“As for West Indies we are very confident that the players will respond positively. We are looking forward to a successful outing in the Caribbean as we understand the pitches and conditions better with the recent world cup being played there.”

One player who will not be making the trip is all-rounder Farveez Maharoof, who has been ruled out with a side strain.

Standby fast bowler Chanaka Welagedara is set to fill in, while the Sri Lankans are also waiting on the fitness of paceman Lasith Malinga.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket’s interim committee chairman, Arjuna Ranathunga, believes a plan for the future must be set in place.

He said: “It is important that we formulate a policy for Sri Lankan cricket in every area. Accordingly, we have set our sights on winning the next World Cup and becoming the number one Test team.”

The first of a two-Test series against West Indies will start in Guyana on March 22.