CLT20 2011: Age No bar for Sanath Jayasuriya

As Ruhunu Eleven embark on their journey in the Nokia CLT20 Qualifiers with a game against Trinidad and Tobago, legendary opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya spoke to the media.

On playing his first CLT20

It’s nice to get this opportunity, especially of representing my provincial team. We are the domestic champions in Sri Lanka and we’re all happy to be here.

On Ruhunu being the underdogs

Yes, we are the underdogs. We’ve got a young team with exciting players who have been playing good cricket at the domestic level. Now they have got an opportunity to replicate that at the big level and they’re keen on doing well.

On playing T20 cricket at the age of 42

If you’re playing well and your team is happy with you, age doesn’t matter. I was a part of this team when they won the T20 domestic championship and did well there. I also played a lot of T20 games outside Sri Lanka, which helped me stay in shape. I want to share my experience with the youngsters and I hope it helps them.

On comparing the standard of competition between IPL and CLT20

The standard doesn’t matter. We just need to perform at our best as a team and as individuals. I just want to give my 100 per cent to my team as a batsman and a bowler.

On the absence of world class bowlers

It takes time. You cannot produce Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan overnight. You need to give youngsters time to prove themselves and that’s how great cricketers are made.

Source: CLT20 Official Website