SAS NAGAR, Nov 23: "IT was an opportunity lost," said the Indian skipper Sachin Tendulkar after India failed to force victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the PCA Stadium today.

``We needed early breakthroughs this morning and had a reasonable chance but the wicket did not show any encouragement to the bowlers, except in the morning session when it seamed a bit. But full credit to Aravinda de Silva and Dharamasena for their efforts,'' Tendulkar said.

``We allowed the Lankans to escape on day one, when our bowlers did not avail the conditions. Still I am not that disappointed as our players battled well despite the negative bowling tactics employed by the Lankans.

Nothing could have been done with fielders on the leg side for that side line of attack. Both I and Dravid tried to hit out but in vain as it was not that easy,'' Tendulkar added.

On the other hand the Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga defended his decision to go in for `negative bowling' saying: ``It paid off as the Indians lost two wickets.''

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.