I was lucky, says Jayawardene

Candy, Aug 22: Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene said he had enjoyed a fair bit of fortune on Wednesday as he made his sixth Test hundred in the second match against India.

"I think I had a fair bit of luck and rode that. My footwork wasn't up to standard, but it was one of those days when you settle down and boost your confidence," the elegant batsman said after making 104 on the first day in Kandy.

Jayawardene, 24, held the innings together on a wicket ideal for pace bowling, helping the hosts recover from 138 for five to 274 for nine at the close.

Jayawardene said he had not felt comfortable at the beginning of his innings, edging a few deliveries as the Indian bowlers gave little away after the lunch interval.

"It is just that it is one of those days, you get in there, the other players couldn't bat so somebody had to do that," he said.

He rated his century as high as his other five in Tests because he achieved it despite struggling against the Indian pace attack.

"Out in the middle, it is easier when you are middling the ball and runs are coming, but today it was very hard work and they bowled really well, wicket to wicket," he said.

Jayawardene has steadily grown in stature and eased into the number four slot previously occupied by Aravinda de Silva, Sri Lanka's highest Test run-scorer.

He said some dampness in the pitch in the morning and cloud cover throughout the day had helped swing bowling.

"It is not easy to go out and settle down straightaway. There is always a chance of getting out on that wicket."

Jayawardene was briefly Sri Lanka's vice-captain, but was relieved of the job to help him concentrate on his batting and has since been a solid presence in the side's top order.

He said good team work had put the hosts in a strong position after India struck early blows.

"It is a good score considering the stage we were in. But I am disappointed I got out immediately after reaching my hundred. I should have added more runs with (Chaminda) Vaas," he added.