Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene has said that immense pressure had been mounted on the team after its dismal show, adding that they were criticized without having been given an opportunity to explain their point of view.

Sri Lanka, runners-up in this year's World Cup, lost the Test and One-Day International series against South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and England and have also been hit by the resignation of Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, while the country's cricket board sacked Coach Geoff Marsh in a bid to turn around the team's fortunes.

Jayawardene, who was replaced by Kumar Sangakkara as captain in 2009, said the players 'never got a chance to explain their position' and were mercilessly criticised.

"The pressure was increasing from all directions. It was understandable that there was pressure to perform but we never got a chance to explain ourselves," The Express Tribune quoted Jayawardene, as saying.

Jayawardene's first assignment is the upcoming triangular series in Australia featuring the hosts and India, and the right-handed batsman said the team was ready to accept the challenge.

"We're prepared to accept all the challenges. These two are formidable sides but we're going with a positive frame of mind and the right approach," he added. (ANI)