cricketrulz

Sri Lankan batsman Samaraweera on an interview with Indian Express...

Nothing seems to have changed for you, despite the three months lay-off Lahore attacks?

I am thankfull for my team mates and management for giving me full support to prove my ability coming back into the Sri Lankan Test team.

What were the thoughts in your mind when you came back from Pakistan?

The series against Pakistan was a difficult and competetive for me to prove my ability. I wondered whether I would be able to cope with the pressures of international cricket. Before the first test started, I was really nervous lacking confidence.

So it was a fear of failure?

I have several failures and have learned from them. I worked hard to make a comeback last year, but when I was in the form of my life, Lahore happened. Now I have made a comeback. You have to return when things go wrong.

Are you afraid you will be remembered as the player who injured in the Lahore attack?

I really do not mind people remember me for that specific reason. Wherever I go, people till ask me about that incident. I think the reason they ask because they care for me.

How did you handle the time in bed?

The first week was really frustrating. I could not go much, I used to watch cricket on TV and I wonder whether the game I loved so much again, or my cricket career was over to play. My tissues were not damaged, or I would be paralyzed.

Critics say that you only score in the sub-continent ...

I really can not stop the critics. At the end of the day, it's me in the middle, they do not. Critics are not in my family.

What role would you play in this team?

I want the press Mahela (Jayawardene) and (Kumar) Sangakkara. They have the burden of batting Sri Lanka for the last six years. But things change now, with Dilshan chipping as well.

All the goals you have set for yourself?

Since my comeback, my mindset has changed, I have became more aggressive. I want to cement my place in the one-day team. I'm really looking forward to the Champions Trophy.