'Longer game is best test of skill'

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene is one of the world's premier batsman averaging over 50 in Test cricket.

He has jut lifted the Asia Cup and is preparing to face India when they tour Sri Lanka.

Here he speaks to Gulf News about the coming tour and the challenges facing Test cricket.

Gulf News: Having won the Asia Cup, are you enjoying captaincy more nowadays?

Mahela Jayawardene: Well, yes. I was not particularly happy with our one day form. But we did a splendid job in the Asia Cup. And now I am pushing myself as well as my team to do well in test matches also. I know it can get a bit tough anyday, but I am really enjoying it.

How important is the ensuing test series against India?

It is important, very important, for all of us. We have been playing well in shorter version of the game. And we all know that Test cricket is the best test of every cricketer's skills. India has a great test team that had played well abroad. So, we all are looking forward to it.

Would you agree that with the advent of Twenty20, Test cricket will pick its pace and become more aggressive?

See, this is a challenging time for every cricketer and every cricket-playing nation. New generation of cricketers are coming. They are bringing a new attitude towards the game. Their outlook is different and they are capable of adapting quicker. I think test cricket, too, will pick up speed.

How would you rate the Indians in test cricket?

Their batting is definitely stronger than their bowling. And the most important part is, they have been doing consistently well in Test cricket in recent times. Both in India and abroad, they had performed brilliantly of late. They have a few match-winners in the ranks and some brilliant cricketers under pressure situations. We are expecting an exciting series here.

India is not keen to play the seniors in one day matches while you have Sanath Jayasuriya, who at 40, is an integral part of the team.

See, for me, age is not the most important factor if someone is meeting the standards set by himself a few years ago. And Sanath is a wonderful player who is excelling even now. So, there is absolutely no problems. Not only him, we have seniors like Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas.