Ajantha Mendis named ICC emerging player of the year
DUBAI: Sri Lanka’s new spin sensation Ajantha Mendis was named
as the International Cricket Council (ICC) emerging player of the year
at an awards ceremony on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old burst on to the international scene this year by
taking an extraordinary 26 wickets at an average of a mere 18.38 apiece
in just three Tests with his unique brand of spin bowling, including the
‘carrom ball’, which helped see his country to a series win over India.
Mendis, who topped the voting for his award ahead of a 25-strong
voting academy from a trio of pace bowlers in Stuart Broad (England),
Morne Morkel (South Africa) and India’s Ishant Sharma, after being
nominated by a panel chaired by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd,
also starred in one-dayers.
In eight one-day internationals during the voting period, he took 20
wickets at 10.25. “I am delighted to win the award,” said Mendis after
being presented with his trophy by Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardane.
“It is an honour to play for Sri Lanka and I hope to continue playing
for my country for a long time to come.” The Emerging Player of the Year
Award was one of eight individual prizes given at this year’s awards.
DUBAI, Thursday, .AFP |