Croft - success with bat and ball Photo CricInfo

Off spinner Robert Croft, whose batting as much as his bowling was vital in England's Second Test victory over Sri Lanka at Kandy, was buzzing after the game.

Croft took 3/40 in Sri Lanka's second innings, hit an invaluable 33 not out in the first innings and then came in as nightwatchman yesterday, hanging around for almost two hours to contribute a priceless 17.

"What a game!" said Croft afterwards. "It has to be the most exciting I've ever been involved in.

"Both sides were very competitive and did not give an inch and England showed a lot of character to come through.

"We were disappointed down in Galle to lose, but you don't become a bad team overnight following our win in Pakistan. We are good players and we showed that."

"We have a lot of good cricketers in the England team who have played together for a long time. We have seen good times and bad times, but they realise now that they are good players.

"There is a belief in the dressing room that is immense, but we have a respect for the game and if you don't have that it can come and kick you in the backside."

Talking about his own display, Croft added: "I'm not here to make up the numbers. I'm here to contribute to England and I'm pleased to do my bit.

"But we won't get carried away. I'm not sure whether we have the edge for the Third Test, we'll have to wait and see. It will be interesting.

"But now I'm going to enjoy some beers -- the Welsh dragon's breathing fire here at the moment!"

The Third and final Test starts at Colombo this Thursday.

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