Taunton, May 25 :     The ?Smiling Assassin? isn?t smiling any more. And, it?s affecting an entire nation. From dizzy heights of the 1996 World Cup to a mere 40 runs in this edition, Sanath Jayasuriya has seen it all. He?s certainly lost more hair. The smile that conveyed different things at different times, too. Of course, there have been terrific moments in between. Like when he scored an epic 340 against India in Colombo (August 1997). Or, 213 at The Oval last August. Equally, there have been quite a few lows: A none-too-pleasant divorce (?Must the Media write and talk about it??) just months after marriage and a broken (right) hand in this year?s WSC. Having perfected the first 15 overs? blast triggered by Mark Greatbatch in 1992, Jayasuriya remains an icon, back in Sri Lanka, but today seems to be playing from memory. It could all change overnight, but till Jayasuriya resumes the scintillating-act Lanka won?t be in top gear. It?s no exaggeration to suggest he is to Lanka what Sachin Tendulkar is to India. ?I don?t wish to speak about the divorce (from Sumudu Karunanayake, a former Air Lanka staffer)... As for that injury (courtesy Australia?s Brendon Julian), I suppose it was destiny. The only thought when I got hit was ? how soon will I play...? Jayasuriya, calm as ever, told The Telegraph last evening. Destiny or not, the injury kept Jayasuriya off the field for months. It also affected Lanka?s World Cup preparations. In fact, the Lankans haven?t still found their rhythm. Jayasuriya may have been the last edition?s Most Valuable Player, but it?s never easy coming off an injury. That, too, returning to big- time action straightaway in the World Cup. However, Jayasuriya remains confident: ?I know I haven?t got runs, but the tournament isn?t over. Perhaps, we can talk again, once the World Cup ends...? A typically quiet, though sure, counter to questions on form. For good measure, Jayasuriya added: ?It?s ironical I broke my arm (necessitating surgery in Melbourne) just when I?d got back into groove. Such things can set one back. But I?ve worked hard, religiously following the rehab schedule drawn up by Alex (Kontouri, the physio). I was anxious to return, yes, but never impatient.? Unusual for somebody who, when on song, is always in a hurry. Is it that the pressure factor has now come to hold centrestage? ?Don?t think so... If one worries about pressure, he?s finished... Remember, all teams have come to win and everyone?s motivated. So...? Jayasuriya answered. Forget the number of runs he?s been getting, Jayasuriya?s body- language isn?t one of a has-been.