Sri Lanka’s cricket captain Mahela Jayawardene expressed confidence and expected conditions in India to suit his team during the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament. Speaking to journalists before the team’s departure, Jayawardene (29) expected Sri Lanka to fair well in Indian conditions, the same place they suffered a 6-1 ODI defeat and 2-0 Test defeat last year.

Although Sri Lanka need to play three qualifying matches, they are one of the pre tournament favourites for one of cricket’s prestigious trophies. "We are well prepared. It was unfortunate that the tri-nation series got called off, but we used the break to prepare. Our confidence is high and everyone is looking forward for the series," Jayawardene said.

"The conditions will suit us and this is a series we are certainly looking forward after a long lay off," he added.

Recent memories of India are not very good ones for the Sri Lankans after their humiliating ODI and Test defeats last year. However, Jayawardene assured that there won’t be a repeat. "It’s a different series than what we had in India. We are much better than what we were. The team has been able to overcome some of the setbacks that happened last time when we were in India."

Speaking on the qualifying round matches, Jayawardene said that he was indeed happy to play the three matches after a long lay off. "I would call it a bonus actually. A blessing in disguise, in fact. There had been various debates suggesting that we dondeserve to play those qualifying round games, but it’s a good build up for the tournament. We hope to make use of these three games."

Marvan Atapattu returns to the side after being sidelined for months due to back surgery and the captain welcomed his return. "His return is extremely good. He’s got lots of experience and that’s a big strength for all of us."

"He’s been training hard and if you see him in the net you wouldn’t think that he’s been out for so long," Jayawardene added.

Atapattu hasn’t played any competitive cricket for six months and the team management was yet to decide where he should bat.

"His presence gives us a lot of options. He might open or he might even bat in the middle order. He’s done all those duties for us before. We’ll give a thought to it and then decide where he should bat." Jayawardene said.