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PUNE, MARCH 30: Both captains subscribed to team efforts being a vital factor between victory and defeat after today's one-day international tri-series match between India and Sri Lanka at the Nehru Stadium.
Sri 0Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga rued team failure in today's reverse while Ajay Jadeja, a sparkling unbeaten century under his belt, modestly pointed to the team as a whole that spelt success.
``Yes, it were the two run outs in one over, and the spectacular pick up and throw by Robin Singh (Sr) which caused our downfall. Nevertheless, the Indians outplayed us,'' said the Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga.
``Our bowlers did a good job in the first 15 overs as they gave away just 60 runs till that stage, but later they could not maintain their line and length,'' he added. ``The newcomer Amey Khurasia played the role of the devil for us, spanking every bowler at his will,'' stated Ranatunga while adding that injuries to three main players undermined his team.
``They batted and bowled better thanus,'' he said. ``But we should not grumble about what has happened today but look forward to the future, especially the World Cup.
To add to the Lankan woes, make-shift bowler Aravinda de Silva, known to break big partnerships, was on the injured list.
Once again emphasising on a team effort, Jadeja said: ``It was a decent start. Sri Lanka have not been doing well in the recent past. We played better against them in the last match there was no factor that could bring pressure on to us.''
Regarding Amay Khurasia, he said that the newcomer staved off pressure with sensible hitting.
Jadeja added: ``I look more comfortable playing in the middle-order and I am happy to be back where I belong,'' and that he does not rate any of his innings as great including today's century.
RAMESH, MONGIA, SRINATH, KUMBLE RESTED: Sadagoppan Ramesh who made his debut in the shorter version of the game today against Sri Lanka does not figure in the list of the 14-member team for the last league match againstPakistan to be played in Mohali on April 1.
``Ramesh who sprained his back while diving to regain his crease has been advised rest by the doctor,'' said the selection committee chairman Jaywant Lele.
Announcing the team Lele said, speedster Javagal Srinath, spinner Anil Kumble and wicket-keeper Nayan Mongia have been rested, and will be replaced by Vinod Kambli, Venkatesh Prasad, Syed Saba Karim and Laxmi Ratan Shukla.
Ajay Jadeja, will lead the team in the absence of the injured Mohammad Azharuddin.
``However, Azhar would be fit for the final,'' Lele said and added Ramesh will be considered for the final when the selectors meet to pick the team at Mohali on April 1.
The team: Ajay Jadeja, Saurav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Saba Karim, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Amey Khurasia, Vinod Kambli, Virendra Sehwag, Nikhil Chopra, Venkatesh Prasad, Ajit Agarkar, Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, Robin Singh Sr., Gyanendra Pandey.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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