Mendis revels against inexperienced batsmen

Richard Dwight

When Ajantha Mendis, entered the wide world of cricket to represent Sri Lanka - we at that time did hail him as an answer to a prayer as a replacement to the legendary, Murali, who sooner than later was to be on the way out.

There was no doubting that Mendis, had much potential and talent, as a medium pace spinner.

Accomplished as he was, he lived upto his early reputation and promise by taking wickets at will. His wicket taking ability made up of variations and a mysterious carrom ball, was most decisive to ensure victory for Sri Lanka. Through his impressive efforts, Sri Lanka won many a trophy and cup and continued to be reckoned with.

But after sometime he paled of to be non-existent, just taking a tailenders wicket or two or none at all.

This led to his being dropped on quite a few occasions and having to sit out on the bench.

The reason for his not doing well must be that, the seasoned senior cricketers from other countries must have learnt to sort him out and come to grips with his bowling - with Mendis taking a tailenders wicket or two or none at all.

Mendis too should sort himself out come to grips with himself and not allow the batsmen to play him with ease.

He was left out on the first T/20 but he did well in 2nd T/20 where he took watson who scored 57, warner at 16 and the rest were freshers, to end up with 6 for 16.

We congratulate him on this fine feat and hope he continues in the same vein.

Our bowlers are far from satisfactory bee erratic. They should learn a lesson from the English bowler Bressnen who bowls straisht wicket to wicket aiming at the edge of the bat.