Kaushal Silva wants repeat of Headingley heroics for Sri Lanka

By PA Sport

Image: Dhammika Prasad took five second-innings wickets to help secure victory for Sri Lanka in 2014

Kaushal Silva has called on his team-mates to make more Headingley history as Sri Lanka revisit the scene of one of their finest hours against England.

The tourists will begin the first of three Investec Tests on Thursday on the ground where they wrapped up their maiden series victory in England two years ago.

Silva was part of that team and, in the absence of retired duo Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, he believes it is time for others to take collective responsibility as Sri Lanka bid for a repeat.

Image: England captain Alastair Cook with his team after losing the second Test at Headingley

"We did well here. We were thrilled with that, but this is a new series," said the opener. "We have to start all over again. It'll be tough, but we are looking forward to that challenge.

"Sanga and Mahela have left now. So it's time for all these youngsters to take their responsibility and do their jobs ... that's very important.

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"If everyone does that, there'll be nothing to complain about."

Silva made 13 in each innings on his previous visit to Leeds, so is hoping for better luck this time.

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"Not everyone will get a start. So whoever does has to capitalise and get a big score," he said.

"We need to make sure we put up at least 300 ... to put ourselves in the game. The first-innings score will be very important to set the tone for the bowlers to do the rest."

James Vince could make his debut when England play Sri Lanka in the 1st Test at Headingley

Sri Lanka will also be missing Dhammika Prasad, ruled out of the first Test at least with a shoulder injury and therefore unavailable to reprise his heroics of 2014 - when he took five second-innings wickets en route to victory at Headingley.

"He is one of the key bowlers, and obviously we'll miss him," added Silva. "But we have other very talented bowlers and we have to back ourselves, and take our responsibility.

"We are all very confident, and we've prepared well. The boys are shaping up nicely."

Watch England and Sri Lanka's first Investec Test, at Headingley, from 10am, Thursday, Sky Sports 2.

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