I haven't seen Don Bradman but have watched Kumar Sangakkara: Angelo Mathews

Galle, Aug 11: In a fitting tribute to Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews today spoke of Don Bradman and the retiring great in the same breath, calling him the most "consistent batsman he has ever seen".

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"We are very thankful for Sanga the way he has performed over the last 15 years and he is easily the most consistent batsman I have seen. I haven't seen the great Donald Bradman but Sanga is easily the most consistent batsman I've ever seen. We learnt a lot from him up to now and he is ready to teach us and pass on his experience, and we have benefited a lot from him," Mathews said about the retiring legend ahead of the first cricket Test against India starting here tomorrow.

The Lankan Test captain is confident that they can make Sangakkara's farewell memorable by winning the series.

"We are all geared up and we want to give him (Sangakkara) a good farewell. He's been a great servant for Sri Lankan cricket and for the team and we are very thankful to him for what we are today.

"Our team is in a better position because of contributions from players like Sanga, Mahela (Jayawardene), Thilan (Samaraweera) and Tillakaratne Dilshan. So now it's up to the younger generation to take responsibility and show what we are capable of," said Mathews.

When asked if there is a chance Sangakkara could play the 3rd Test if the series is tied 1-1 going into the SSC match, Mathews replied, "I wished so but unfortunately he's calling it a day and we all have to respect that decision. Good things have to come to an end and Sanga has decided it's time up for him."

"It's going to be a tough ask," he added, talking about the transition.

"It's quite easy to captain with players like Sanga and Mahela in the side. They had enough experience and now it's going to be a fairly tough job in this transition period with new faces and it's going to be a tough challenge for all of us.

"We have got to be patient as the younger guys are very skillful. It's just that they need exposure in the international arena and have yet to learn, to learn you have to play and be patient with them and hopefully they can take the team where it wants to be."

PTI