Our players are capable and we need time and confidence, says Sanath Jayasuriya

Speaking to TOI, the 48-year-old said, “We're in a little bit of a transition period… but we've talented players like Kushal Mendis, (Niroshan) Dickwella and Danushka Gunalathika. Upul Tharanga is developing into a good, experienced Test cricketer. And we're missing another good cricketer, Lahiru Thirmanne, who's another hugely talented cricketer, but unfortunately, was out due to injury.”

While it can be granted that the Lankan lions are undergoing a transitional phase, there is no denying the fact that they did not help their cause with some below par efforts in the field. And Jayasuriya himself acknowledged this saying, “I think when we got out for 291 in the first innings...that was crucial because, in a Test, first innings runs are very important… He (Dhawan) was a bit lucky that his catch was dropped (by Asela Gunaratne, when Dhawan was on 31). We dropped (Hardik) Pandya's catch (by Dimuth Karunaratne off Herath when Pandya was on four) too, and he went on to score 50. So, these are little things we need to fine-tune. So, we need time, confidence.”

However, the World Cup winner from Matara still believes Sri Lanka can turn the series around in the remaining two games. And with the likes of Asela Gunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal returning to the squad to bolster their batting lineup, he has every reason to think so.