Jayawardene plays down Mendis hype

Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene Sunday refused to single out spin sensation Ajantha Mendis as the major threat for Pakistan in the one-day series. The 23-year-old Mendis and his more illustrious partner Muttiah Muralitharan are tipped to hold the aces against the home team in the three-match series which starts here from Tuesday.

But Jayawardene said Mendis doesn’t carry extra burden of expectations.

“Mendis hasn’t had added pressure and has gone through all the batting line-ups he has come across and is enjoying his challenges,” Jayawardene said of his spinner during his arrival press conference.

“Pressure does not effect Mendis. He is a very simple guy he doesn’t have to go through such interviews because his knowledge of the English is not that great so he is resting in his room watching movies,” said Jayawardene. The second match is here on Wednesday, while the final match is in Lahore on Saturday.

KARACHI, AFP