By Saroj Pathirana BBC Sinhala service

	'I think I will be bowling five to six overs in a match to help the team'

The most venerable Udugama Sri Buddharakkhitha Mahanyake thero has also commended the team for playing “very good cricket.”

The Mahanayake thero has expressed the view when Sri Lanka all-rounder Thilakaranthne Dilshan visited them early Monday morning.

“The Mahanayake said they felt the cricket team is like a family now. And they blessed the whole team,” Dilshan told BBC Sandeshaya after the visit.

Bowling 'few overs'

“I think that raised our confidence. We can play well but their blessing is very important for us."

	Dilshan says it is routine for him to visit Temple of Tooth before tournaments

Dilshan said he went to see the Mahanayake as all Sri Lankans are looking for the team to be successful at the world cup.

“I usually visit Dalada Maligawa before any tournament, it is routine thing but the World Cup is very special that is why I went to the see the Mahanayake,” he said.

Dilshan, an aggressive batting all-rounder and regarded by many as Sri Lanka’s best fielder disclosed that the team also plans to use his bowling skills at the upcoming tournament.

“I think I will be bowling five to six overs in a match to help the team,” he told BBC Sinhala service.

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India are to host the tournament from 19 February.

With the home advantage, Sri Lanka is one of the hot favourites to repeat the success in 1996.