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Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene called on his batsmen to show more patience and take advantage of what he said was an inconsistent Australia in the tri-series.

The Sri Lankans face India here on Tuesday (today) with Jayawardene admitting the two touring sides were already fighting for the right to play hosts Australia in the finals. “Now it’s become like a two-horse race to get into the finals,” Jayawardene said.

“We’ve been inconsistent with the bat, the bowlers have lifted the mark, but we haven’t batted well at all.” Jayawardene said his team’s batsmen needed to display more patience. “One needs to spend more time at the wicket and wait for an opportunity.

“It’s not easy to score runs quickly but rather you need to work your way in the innings. “We need to keep wickets in hand and bat well and not to have too many negative thoughts going.”

Despite Australia’s dominance, Jayawardene reiterated his belief that the home side were not at their brilliant best. “We are not pushing the advantage. Australia haven’t played good cricket — they’ve not been consistent to be precise,” he said.

“They used to be very consistent, but not nowadays. “I don’t think the two other teams are capitalising on their weaknesses and both the teams should have won against them. “Their experience and bowling have pulled them out of troubled situations.”

Source:Cricket News