The phenomenon of Ajantha Mendis

Utter confusion prevails over what to term Ajantha Mendis. The mystery bowler from Sri Lanka, who before beginning his cricketing career was an Army gunner, was the latest spin sensation in international cricket this year.

Two of his deliveries during India's Test series in Sri Lanka remain etched in my mind. One that spun a mile and got rid of Guatam Gambhir and one that skid across and skittled past the defence of VVS Laxman. Was it true? Were we finally seeing a bowler who had the ability to bowl six different balls every over?

As he bowled a blend of off breaks, leg breaks, googlies, top spinners, doosra's and the carrom ball, experts picked each other's brains to unravel the Mendis mystery. Even the best players of spin wanted a second chance against him. The first was too big a mystery to fathom. Before you knew it, he got you!

Many experts compared, even equated him with the likes of Jack Iverson and John Gleeson after he set a Lankan record by picking 18 wickets in his first two Tests against India. Only four bowlers in the history of Test cricket have had a better record.

These bowlers are India's Narendra Hirwani (24), England's Alec Bedser (22), Australia's Bob Massie (21) and England's Syd Barnes (19). Of these, only England's Alec Bedser went on to become a pillar of English cricket and finished with 236 wickets from 51 Tests.

What also stands clear from the list above is the fact that none of the bowlers of the game, who have gone to etch their names in the list of most successful bowlers or highest wicket-takers in the game had been able to make such an impression in their first Test series. Look at the list and you won't find a Sir Richard Hadlee or an Imran Khan or a Anil Kumble or a Shane Warne or fellow Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan.

Even though Murali may back Mendis as his successor and call the gunner better than himself, the Moratuwa Mauler still has many a miles to go before he's accepted as a proven match-winner for Sri Lanka.

Due to Sri Lankan's cricket calendar, Mendis has only played in three Tests so far. He's talented no doubt and till the time world cricket picks his variations he will continue to be a threat.

But the true test of the spinner will come once the Mendis mystery is solved. How soon would that be, only time will tell. But till such time, Mendis would do well to remember that bowlers who make a sensational entry in cricket need not necessarily have a sensational exit.

The acid test awaits!

Ajantha Winslow Mendis Interview | Captain Mahela’s new Lieutenant

When Mendis was dumping the balls into the stands in the cauldron of Asian Cup Final against India at the National Stadium of Karachchi, not only sports romantics, but also very capable players were held in trance by the seemingly casual flick of his magical middle finger spinning. Left-handers, Yuvraj, Raina and Pathan were sent off with no clue against aggressive balls of the ‘carromball’ spinner.

“He would have taken eight wickets had Jayawardene not removed him.” was the view of many commentators.

This mesmerising wicket hungry bowler who arrived into Sri Lankan cricket as a breath of fresh air, was practising at the SSC grounds, in a freaky way of gripping the ball between thumb and middle finger, and throwing the ball up, down and front, when I reached SSC to have a chat with this unorthodox, self-taught bowler.

We would like to know about your school cricket career.

I studied at Kadalana St. Anthony’s College till Grade 9 and then entered Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya. I played for the Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya under 17 cricket team as the captain.

Since I was very much engaged in cricket couldn’t excel in studies. I did my O/L in 2003 and stopped my schooling without doing A/Ls. That’s mainly because of my passion and dedication for cricket. Because I think it is difficult to balance studies with sports and I was not interested in studies.

Why did you join the Army?

As in the case of the majority who join the Army my intention was not merely to go to the battlefield and fight. The main reason was to play cricket. I joined the fourth Artillery Regiment at Panagoda.

How did it happen?

When I was playing for the Moratuwa Club, I took seven wickets in a cricket match between the Army and the club. Having being impressed by my performance, an official from the Army came to my place and invited me to join the Army and play for its cricket team.

At first I was a bit hesitant due to the image I had of the Army in my mind. My mother too was a little bit reluctant to agree with Mr. Vitharana’s suggestion of recruiting me to the Army. However my relatives convinced my mother to let me join the Army.

Do you have any battlefield experiences?

I received basic training as a soldier but I have never been in the battlefield. I mainly engaged in cricket.

You stayed at Panagoda Army Camp. How often did you visit your family at Moratuwa?

Once in a fortnight. I was the only person in my family who did not go to work outside.

All my sisters and brothers stayed and went to work from home. I was eagerly waiting to visit my family. I missed them a lot and they did too. Especially my mother. She used to prepare dishes I liked when I went home.

Your family?

I am the third in a family of five. My elder brother Aruna is working at Brandix and my elder sister Aruni is reading for an external degree.

My younger sister Rasika is getting ready for her O/Ls this year at the Moratuwa Convent. My younger brother Asanka is studying to become a Catholic priest at the Kalutara seminary.

My mother Ranjani Sriyani Fernando is a housewife. My father, Wensus Leo Mendis died before I joined the Army. I am sad that my father is not there to see my achievements. I believe that his blessings are the key to my success.

What made your foray into Sri Lanka cricket team?

Due to my performance I was selected to Development Academy and trained under coach Jerome Jayaratne. I took part in the provincial premiere series. I became the best bowler and then the cricket committee decided to recruit me for the national team.

Who are your coaches?

Prasanna Dissanayake was the school coach at Moratuwa Maha Vidyalaya. Saman Hewavitharana was my coach in the Army and I am now being trained under Neil Rajapakse.

Your way of bowling is similar to that of Jack Iverson in the 1950s who developed the method of gripping the ball between the thumb and middle finger powerfully flicking the latter either way at the point of delivery. Did you try to imitate him or did your coaches try to change your way of bowling?

No. I didn’t try to imitate Iverson. A bowling style cannot be imitated one has to have innate talent to handle the ball. My coaches did not mess around with my natural talent either. They were not obsessed with mimicking of someone else’s way of delivering the ball. Coaches helped me to develop my way of bowling.

What are your practice sessions?

I arrive at the SSC grounds around 8 in the morning for practice. I practise till 6-7 p.m. with breaks in between. Unless I have to practise for a tournament, I keep Saturday and Sunday free.

How do you spend your weekends?

Most of the times when I am at home during the weekend, I sleep. Even my family members do not disturb my sleep. Otherwise I listen to music. I love Hindi songs.

How’s the response you receive from opposite sex?

Quite a big and impressive response. Girls call me but I do not know how have they found my contact number.

When girls see me they purposely look at me and smile with me. I don’t know them but I smile with them. Even you could see how many girls smiled and came and talked to me. I do not know any of them. I’m happy to have a good response from the opposite sex as a boy of this age would rarely have that chance.

Your princess charming?

I haven’t thought of that yet. I wish I had one but I know it’s hard for me to manage romance with sports. I would be confused not knowing what to give priority, to romance or sports. I would finally end up losing both. I want to build up my sports career. This is just the start of a long journey.

So, at the moment I concentrate only on sports. I will think of settling down , may be, in five years’ time. I’m still 24. It would be ok for me to think of something what you mentioned after 30.

Was the Asia Cup your maiden international match?

I have played for Sri Lanka prior to that. When I was at the Development Squad I played for Sri Lanka against India. I represented the National team at the tour nament in the West Indies as well. I was in the IPL “Kalkata Night Riders”.

Tell about your recent promotion?

I joined the Army as a soldier. After my high level performance at the Asia Cup Final, I was promoted as a second Lieutenant on my return.

How do you feel about the new promotion?

I feel honoured and proud along with the euphoria of being world famous and receiving a promotion at such a young age.

Ajantha Mendis tipped to better Shane Warne's record

SRI Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss has put cricket's top batsmen on high alert that self-taught mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis can step into Shane Warne's shoes and become the world's top spinner.

Bayliss has been gobsmacked by Sri Lanka's new spin freak, who has taken an astonishing 20 wickets at an average of 10 in his first eight one-day internationals - including rocking India with an amazing 6-13 in the final of an Asian one-day tournament.

Mendis, 23, devastated India again last week when he grabbed eight wickets in his Test debut in Colombo.

The unorthodox youngster, who has five different off-spin and leg-spin variations bowled with a mysterious click of his fingers, appears harder to pick than his teammate, Muttiah Muralidaran.

Bayliss, the former NSW batsman, has seen enough to declare that Mendis can take spin to fresh heights and become the premier tweaker in world cricket.

"This guy is an absolute freak. He has five different deliveries which spin different ways and he is working on another one or two others," said Bayliss, speaking from Galle.

"He flicks deliveries out of his fingers in different ways and the amazing thing is that every one is accurate.

"There is no doubt he could become the world's best spinner because he's only at the start of his development and he's such a quick learner with an enormous potential.

"Batsmen can't pick him at the moment and he is only going to get better."

The deadly Mendis has also invented a new delivery - the "carrom" or "flicker" ball - which he releases with a snap of his strong middle finger and could result in an off-break, a leg-break, a googly or even a zooter.

Mendis has been compared to former Australian mystery spinner John Gleeson but has more tricks as he has no "stock" ball in his confusing bag of spin weaponry.

The part-time Sri Lankan army trooper is an incredible story given he comes from a poor family and taught himself to bowl with a tennis ball.

Like the unorthodox actions of Muralidaran and super slinger Lasith Malinga, it is a great credit to the Sri Lankan development system that no coach has attempted to change Mendis.

Australia could lock horns with Mendis at September's Champions Trophy and Bayliss has warned that his side will be a much tougher proposition.

"Apart from his own incredible talents, one of the great things about Mendis is that Murali will be able to bowl in a more attacking fashion at the other end," Bayliss said.

The security and safety situation in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in September remains one of cricket's burning issues with Australia set to boycott the tournament if it is not shifted from the strife-torn republic.

Ajantha Mendis is a danger - Shoaib Malik

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik believes Sri Lanka will provide stern opposition for his side during their tour next month.

The Pakistan Cricket Board have invited the Sri Lankans for three Tests and three one-day internationals in a series starting in January, filling the gap in the calendar created by India's cancellation of their tour.

The PCB will finalise the dates for the series against Sri Lanka this week.

Pakistan lost 1-0 to both South Africa and India in their only Test series in 20 months since Malik took over as captain.

While he was disappointed by the cancellation of the Indian tour, Malik feels that Sri Lanka will make for an equally testing contest.

"We are disappointed with India's decision not to tour Pakistan," Malik said.

"India have been doing well so it would have been a good series, but Sri Lanka are also a good team.

"We have to do a lot of hard work since we have been out of international cricket for so long.

"Sri Lanka have been doing well at the international level. They will be tough opponents, but we will be ready for them."

Malik is especially wary of the threat posed by spinner Ajantha Mendis, who is Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker this year and was instrumental in their 2-1 win over India in a three-match Test series earlier this year.

"Sri Lanka have two quality spinners in Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis," Malik said.

"We have played Murali on numerous occasions in the past, but Mendis would prove a handful. We have to master him."

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has banked his hopes on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has not played a Test or a one-day match for Pakistan this year due to suspension and injury.

Although he is available for selection, Shoaib is still fighting to overturn an 18-month ban imposed by the PCB for disciplinary reasons.

He was picked for the three-match one-day series against West Indies in Abu Dhabi, but did not play due to a calf injury.

"Shoaib will be our key man," said Intikhab. "He is back and is now full of confidence.

"I see him as a completely changed man and he will be an asset for the team."

No missing Mendis | says Mashrafee Mortaza

Vice captain Mashrafee Bin Mortaza says they are relieved that sensational Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis is missing the two Test home series starting on Dec. 26.

"Mendis is now a quite good bowler and his absence must relieve us," Mashrafee said to reporters during the Tigers' first practice session on Friday at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Mendis, who grabbed 26 wickets in three matches to help his side to a 2-1 Test series win over India in July-August, was ruled out of squad at the last moment due to knee injury. Rangana Herath replaced him in the 15-member squad.

The Bangladesh pace spearhead, however, believed Sri Lanka still had a good bowling attack with spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan still a big threat.

"There is no Mendis in the Sri Lankan squad, but Muralitharan is still there and he may cause the main problem."

The 25-year-old said they had been working on how to deal with Muralitharan and hoped to play better cricket in home condition.

Off-spinner Muralitharan has grabbed 76 wickets, including 10 five-wicket hauls, in nine Tests against Bangladesh.

Mashrafee said his side needed to do better in batting, bowling and fielding.

"We could not continue with the performance we had put up against New Zealand at home to South Africa last month, but this time we are confident of doing well against Sri Lanka.

"We first think of whether we can win the Test. For this, we need do well in four innings with both the bat and the ball.

"If we can play well in two innings, then we can go close to them, but it is not possible to win the match without doing better in all four innings," said Mashrafee.

He praised left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan for the way he was coming up.

"He has been bowling consistently since the World Cup in the West Indies as he pitches the ball in specific areas as [Mohammed Rafique] did and it is probably the reason for his success."

A Mendis special insurance from Janashakthi

A combination that’s set to become a winning partnership, was tangibly expressed on Tuesday evening at the Holiday Inn Hotel - when an agreement was signed and exchanged between the Chairman, Janashakthi Insurance, W.T. Ellawala, and Sri Lanka’s ace spinner of the ball, the metoric rising star, Ajantha Mendis - to give effect to his becoming the new Brand Ambassador for Janashakthi. This memorable occasion, that had a measure of significance for both Janashakthi and Mendis, had a very representative gathering comprising personnel from the media, both print as well as electronic, visitors and guests, with the proceedings being well steered by compere Kumar de Silva.

It was gathered from the Managing Director, Janashakthi Insurance, Prakash Schaffter, that the new partnership between Janashakthi and Mendis was complementary to each other, in that both share the same passion and values “Innovation, Trustworthiness, Dynamism and Dependability. Janashakthi he emphasised has proved that these values are inherent in its business activities, having produced countless industrial firsts, as well as proving its dependability and trustworthiness by settling many significant claims.

And went onto draw the parallel, that Mendis too in his relatively short career, proved beyond doubt that he is a cricketer, who can be trusted to deliver the goods. He is also a celebrated as an innovative and a dynamic cricketer an accepted fact among the cricket loving public.

Prakash also made the point that both Janashakthi and Mendis had yet another similarity in that they were early achievers. For the reason that within only a decade of operation, Janashakthi was the only insurer to acquire a state owned insurance company, and swiftly to become Sri Lanka’s 3rd Largest General Insurer.

Not forgetting as well that it was the fastest insurer to reach the Rs. 5 billion revenue milestone and also Sri Lanka’s first private insurer to venture into the South Asian market. Mendis too has shown that he is an early achiever for he almost single handedly “delivered” the Asia Cup to Sri Lanka and was declared the most ‘important player’ in the tournament. He was also named “Most Emerging cricketer 2007/8 at the recently concluded ICC cricket awards.

This apart, in a very short period of time he achieved the laudable feat of breaking the world record for the most number of test wickets by any bowler in a debut test series. He became the ‘Man of the series’ in the twenty20 tournament in Canada and then went on to dazzle in Zimbabwe too: There are features that are common to both Janashakthi and Mendis, which led Prakash Schaffter to conclude saying “all our Mutual accomplishments, passions and qualities are in line with Janashakthi’s corporate image and the excellence of the brand we take pride in offering the Sri Lankan public, thus making Ajantha Mendis the perfect choice.

The Chairman, Janashakthi Insurance, W.T. Ellawala and Roshan Abeysinghe drew a brief narrative of both Janashakthi and Mendis - with Roshan adding that we ought not to lose sight of the part played by Major General V.R. Silva in nurturing and guiding this gem of a bowler. Roshan even went to the extent of making a suggestive request that Janashakthi consider insuring Ajantha’s fingers.

The man of the moment, Ajantha Mendis said it was his pride and privilege to be associated with Janashakthi in this way and thanked them for the opportunity.

Ajantha Mendis out of Bangladesh tests

An ankle injury has forced star spinner Ajantha Mendis out of Sri Lanka's squad to tour Bangladesh this month, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Thursday.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath was picked as a replacement for Mendis in a 15-member squad for the two Tests starting December 26.

However, Mendis will play in a three nation one-day international tournament involving Zimbabwe as the third team, the statement said.

Mendis made his debut for Sri Lanka this year and had quickly established himself as a strike bowler in both Tests and limited overs cricket.

In July he broke a 62-year record for the most number of wickets in a three-match debut series, beating England's Alec Bedser's previous best of 24 wickets.

Herath, who has taken 35 wickets in 13 Tests, played his last Test against the West Indies in March.

The squad: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Malinda Warnapura , Michael Vandort Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardena, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Rangana Herath, Dammika Prasad, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez Maharoof, Dilhara Fernando, Thilan Thushara.

M & M - gives cricket a new meaning

Through the years, modern political transformation there have been certain individuals who have swum against the set pattern of currents and cut their own niches to make an indelible impression in the history of a given society or mankind as a whole.

For instance France’s Napoleon Bonaparte, (1769 – 1821) later known as Napoleon I, was a French military and political leader who had a significant impact on the history of Europe. He was a general during the French Revolution. In 1799, Napoleon staged a coup d'état and installed himself as First Consul; five years later he crowned himself Emperor of the French and the rest is common history.

In Sri Lanka former President Ranasinghe Premadasa came from very insignificant beginnings, but, the impression he made in the Lankan political arena has now become common folklore.

Ajantha Mendis

In the present context – In America a Black president ruling that most powerful nation in the World would not even have been the topic of a bar stool argument in a black ghetto a quarter of a century ago. But, Barak Obama a lawyer from Kenyan origin has proved that those misnomers and other general theories on who rules the world are total fallacies.

The above political commentary lends credence that at times history comes out with certain individuals and places them at the right place at the right time against the common belief of a majority of people.
Just over a year ago Muttiah Muralitharan was Sri Lanka’s version of a Trojan horse against the rest of a the World and he alone turned the entire cricketing globe on its head while fighting tooth and nail against the disbelievers that a man from a tiny island could make it to the top.

The thirty-six-year-old off spinner who made his first appearance against the Australians in 1992 gradually took control of the situation till he became the undisputed champion in the bowling arena in Test cricket. His tally of 756 plus wickets may not be overhauled in the foreseen future, especially when one looks at the cricketing calendar a top level cricketer faces these days. Even in ODIs his 490 wickets is awesome and that too may count on till the year 2011.

Nonetheless while Muralitharan was forging ahead with his exploits, there was a notable vacuum in the Lankan arsenal. Through Murali`s decade and half exercise there were spinners tailored on board to go tandem with him, but the pair never clicked off. Always it was Murali the lone fish in the well.
Then suddenly a year ago Ajantha Mendis was drafted into the Army from nowhere, and thus the trouble to the batsmen facing up to him began.

There is a nice little background story about Ajantha. Once he made it to the national squad he was still a novice but, his deeds compelled selectors to take him to the West Indies especially on a tour without injured Muralitharan.

Generally a player with a little exposure is not given the major games and at times come back without even a single outing. That is common in international cricket. Taken on tour and while at practices he was troubling the entire top guns in the Lankan line-up. Then a tour selector took the bold decision and suggested that Ajantha should be tried out and the other rather reluctantly agreed and the rest is history.

Muttiah Muralitharan

Now in three Test matches Mendis had taken 26 wickets and in ODIs with 48 wickets in only 19 outings he is closing in on a World record.

More than the youngster’s individual exploits, what is more important is that his advent into the national grid has given a new twist to the Lankan cricketing cause. Now Muralitharan is no more alone.
They together, bamboozled the much venerated Indian batting line-up, thus prompting the retirement of a part of the Indian-fab-five.

Now any one can see even the aging Muralitharan is bowling with new vigour. Now Muralitharan has paired off with Mendis in thirteen ODIs and taken 26 wickets. Prior to that in the same number of matches he bagged only 16 wickets. The difference shows.Mendis is almost certain of not making it to Bangladesh for the two tests and the tri-series through injury. Then with bad management and sparse cricket Sri Lanka may limp onto the 2011 World Cup and few other engagements in between. Still whenever these two bowlers get together the opposing batsmen are sure to find a new meaning to the word bewilderment.

Even now that it has been proved that a spin duo is always more useful than a single unit, are we going to live with the status quo? After the Next World Cup Muralitharan then closing up to his forties may decide to pack up his boots.

A cricket insider described the present duo as a unique set. From one end Muralitharan uses his experience, guile and variety to fox the opposition and mostly bowls outside the wickets as a result of his prodigious turn.

At the other end Mendis bowls wicket to wicket with very little movement, but with a different blend in each delivery.

The result is a lethal bowling cocktail hard to understand.

Then once again are we going to let Mendis go his way alone? Even by 2011 Ajantha Mendis will be a relatively new bowler besides his tremendous talent.

According to news reaching us the two bowling camps at the SLC – spin and seam are not functioning as efficiently in the way it did under Ruwan Kalpage and Champaka Ramanayake.

The Mumbai setback will soon be over and cricket in the sub-continent will once again be in the driving seat. Now cricket is a multi-million dollar business and it is the cricketer who has to make all the new dollars that the management wastes through short-sighted bad decisions.

At least now look to the future. The date has not passed as yet like for many more others. Once the flame is burnt out the resurrection will not be easy. Even now please look for beyond 2011.

In short what history has produced sporadically, the Lankans have done in quite quick succession. Both bowlers are unique, mysterious and one in a million.

Mendis to miss Bangladesh Tests | Sri Lanka in Bangladesh 2008-09

Ajantha Mendis injured his ankle while bowling for Army SC against Tamil Union

Ajantha Mendis, the Sri Lankan spinner, will miss the two-Test series in Bangladesh, which begins on December 26, after injuring his ankle while bowling for Army SC in his first match of the domestic season against Tamil Union last weekend.

Ranjith Nanayakkarawasam, the Sri Lanka team physio, said Mendis had strained his right ankle and was undergoing treatment. "The injury will take at least three to four weeks to heal," he said. Mendis is expected to be back for the ODI tri-series against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, scheduled to start on January 10.

Rangana Herath, the left-arm spinner, will take Mendis' place in Sri Lanka's 15-man Test squad. Herath's last Test was in March this year, against West Indies in Guyana.

Mendis has had a successful run in 2008, announcing his arrival with 26 wickets at 18.38 apiece in his debut Test series against India earlier this year. He had a superb run in ODIs as well - he took 48 wickets in 18 matches - and is set to become the fastest to 50 ODI scalps: Ajit Agarkar achieved the milestone in 23 games.

Ajantha Mendis for county ? | by Damith.S

The scrap is on.

There are rumours that the English counties are targeting our young spin maestro Ajantha 'Splendid' Mendis. Its not often that young Sri Lankans are spotted by the counties. The most notable players in the English domestic game have always been the big names from the island.

Sanath

Murali

Sangakkara

Aravinda.

Them be some really big names.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Splendid Mendis, (doesn't it just roll off the tongue). Its also a sign of just how big an impact he has made in the world game in his very short career.

I have always felt that Mendis needs to develop stock ball.

Warne had his leggie.

Murali has his big spinning offie.

Mendis bowls about 6 or 7 different variations in an over. But in the long run what's going to bag you most of your wickets is your stock ball. Even if it does not directly get you the wicket, the stock ball will ensure your variations are that much more dangerous. The county game, depending on how long he gets to play, will offer him a great chance to do just this.

But where will he go ?

Most Likely
The most likely scenario is that Mendis will go to Lancashire because of the Murali tie -in.

I'm sure Murali will have plenty of nice things to say about the county. Including yarns about every ones favourite man- Freddy.

My Pick

Personally Id like to see him move to Sussex. I quite like the idea of Mendis trying to fill the 1800+ wickets hole that Mushy has left there. Sussex do have Ollie Rayner to who has been under the astute apprenticeship of the bearded one. So it will be interesting to see what approach they take.

Wild Card

Durham - who might want to mix things up next year as their attack is pace heavy. With Paul Wiseman reaching a 153 years of age next year and proving to be highly ineffective with 16 wickets to his name, Mendis might slot in well for the reining Division 1 Champions.

Verdict

What ever county he goes to, its a guaranteed investment.

Considering how the Englishmen went against Murali during his stint, Mendis will eat the English men alive and spit them out for good measure.

by Damith S : www.hilalscricket.com

Ajantha Mendis set to break world record

Colombo: Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis is set to break the world record for the fastest bowler in One-Day Internationals to take 50 wickets. The 23-year-old Sri Lankan soldier has been mesmerizing opponents since his debut early this year and so far has claimed 48 ODI victims in 17 matches leading up to Sunday’s fifth and final ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The record is held by India’s Ajit Agarkar, who in 1998 went pass Dennis Lillee’s record that had stood for 18 years. Lillee had taken 24 matches to claim 50 victims while Agarkar did it in 23 games.

Mendis has enjoyed a successful series so far having claimed 15 wickets in four games at a miserly 7:06 apiece.

Ever since he made his debut against the West Indies in April this year, Mendis’ mixture of off-breaks, leg-breaks, googlies, flippers and top-spinners has troubled the world’s best batsmen.

He claimed six for 29 on Thursday in Harare, the eighth best bowling figures by a Sri Lankan in one-dayers.

He also broke a World Record that had stood for 62 years on his debut series when he claimed 26 wickets in a three match series breaking Sir Alec Bedser’s record that had been established in 1946.

Saturday, November 29, 2008 9:16:01 PM

Ajantha Mendis & Murali spin Zimbabwe out in Harare

Sri Lanka had little trouble capitalising on Zimbabwe's batting capitulation, reaching their victory target in a little over 33 overs to win the first one-day international by six wickets in Harare.

The hosts lost their last seven wickets for three runs - including six successive ducks - to be bowled out for only 127 by Sri Lanka spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis.

And despite the early run out of Upul Tharanga, Sri Lanka cruised to victory with Kumar Sangakkara (50 not out) leading the way.

Zimbabwe seemed well placed at 124 for three but collapsed to be all out in only 31 of their scheduled 50 overs as Murali (four for 14) and Mendis (three for 26) ran riot.

It was the introduction of Murali which set the slide in irresistible motion, with wicketkeeper-batsman Tatenda Taibu powerless to stop the procession of potential partners.

Former captain Taibu finished unbeaten on 36, having shared a 41-run fourth-wicket stand with Stuart Matsikenyeri which appeared to be putting the hosts on course for a 200-plus total.

Instead, once Matsikenyeri was bowled by Murali the Sri Lankan spin twins were unstoppable.

A shellshocked Zim side got the start they needed as Tharanga was run out after just three balls.

But a partnership of 57 between Mahela Udawatte (38) and Sangakkara settled Sri Lankan nerves, before Elton Chigumbura removed the opener.

Spinner Ray Price bagged a couple of wickets of his own but could not match the devastation caused by Murali and Mendis and, with the scores level, Sangakkara struck the ball to the long-on boundary to bring up his own half century and Sri Lanka's victory.

Mendis a bigger threat than Murali - Utseya

November 20, 2008

Prosper Utseya, the Zimbabwe captain, believes Ajantha Mendis will be a bigger threat than his Sri Lankan spin partner Muttiah Muralitharan in the five-match one-day series starting on Thursday in Harare.

"We were lucky to play Mendis in a four-day game and we have an idea of what to expect from him," Utseya said. "Murali didn't play in that warm-up game, but I don't think he's as effective as Mendis. But basically it's all about us reacting to whatever they dish out."

Voted the ICC Emerging Player of the Year for 2008, Mendis has enjoyed a rich vein of form since his debut earlier this year. He was the highest wicket-taker in both the Tests and the ODIs during Sri Lanka's previous home series against India in July-August, and was also top of the bowling charts in the T20 Canada. He took 11 wickets from three matches, more than making up for the absence of Muralitharan, who was rested for the tournament.

Though the Sri Lankan squad bears a young look - Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas among the notable absentees - Utseya said he was expecting a tough series. "Obviously, on paper they are better than us, but in terms of what we can do I think we have done well in our preparations and we can only expect positive results to come out of those preparations," he said. Zimbabwe have not had much action this year due to the political turmoil in the country. At home, they last played West Indies in a five-match ODI series back in December 2007, which they lost 1-3.

A poor start to 2008 saw them being blanked 5-0 in Pakistan in an ODI series. There was not-too-productive T20 Canada in October, and though they shared the honours in the tri-series in Kenya, they currently find themselves at No.11 in the ICC ODI rankings, behind Associate member Ireland.

"We haven't played much cricket this year, but from the little action we've had and the preparations, I think we are prepared for the challenge," Utseya said. "We can't be using lack of international matches as an excuse.

"We just need to stick to the basics because whenever you play against top bowlers, you have to go back to the basics. We just need to believe in ourselves and do the right things, because a good ball will trouble any batsman, including the best in the world, and that's all we need to work on."

Ajantha Mendis hurts Zimbabweans | Srilanka's Tour of Zimbabwe 2008

November 12, 2008:

Sri Lanka began their tour of Zimbabwe in bullish fashion, dismissing a Zimbabwe Select XI for 159 on a rain-affected first day of their warm-up match in Bulawayo. Ajantha Mendis picked up four wickets and in reply, Upul Tharanga and Mahela Udawatte propelled the tourists to 50 without loss in 14 overs.

The umpires twice suspended play because of drizzle and eventually ended the day 20 minutes early due to bad light.

Zimbabwe’s innings began poorly when Chamu Chibhabha steered a very wide delivery to gully, and it never gained any real momentum other than a brief seventh-wicket renaissance of 46 from Elton Chigumbura and Prosper Utseya which lent the score a degree of respectability. They missed the experience and bravery of Tatenda Taibu, who was dropped in rather odd circumstances. Dilhara Fernando took full advantage early on, picking up two of the first four wickets to fall, including the promising Hamilton Masakadza leg-before for 26.

It wasn’t long before Mendis was brought into the attack and he soon bowled Regis Chakabva to get his name on the scoreboard. When he followed that up with the wicket of Keith Dabengwa, also bowled, Zimbabwe had slipped to 90 for 6. However, Chigumbura and Utseya staved off the collapse with a vital seven-wicket stand of 46.

Aware of the situation, both players dropped anchor and gradually shovelled Zimbabwe’s total past 100, but Fernando returned to have Utseya caught behind for 22 while Chigumbura - who had spent over two hours at the crease - was beaten by Mendis. Angelo Mathews mopped up a flaccid tail.

Zimbabwe squandered an early chance when Mahela Udawatte edged Christopher Mpofu but Stuart Matsikenyeri at second slip failed to hold onto a routine catch. Tharanga went on the attack and cracked five fours in his unbeaten 31 while Udawatte ended on 17 as Sri Lanka made brisk headway to reach 50 in 14 overs.

Unless the weather plays a major part, this match appears unlikely to go into a fourth day.

Brief scores: Sri Lankans 50 for 0 (Tharanga 31*, Udawatte 17*) trail Zimbabwe Select XI 159 (Chigumbura 33, Mendis 4-59) by 109 runs

Ajantha Mendis is a freak, says Lanka’s first Test captain Bandula Warnapura

AJANTHA Mendis is a ‘freaky phenomenon’ who could surpass spin greats Shane Warne and Muthiah Muralitharan if he stays injury-free for at least 10 years, Sri Lanka’s first Test captain has said.
Bandula Warnapura, who led Sri Lankan greats such as Roy Dias, Duleep Mendis and Arjuna Ranatunga against England when the island nation got Test status in 1982, even compared Mendis to Don Bradman, calling them ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ cricketers.
“From what I have seen so far of Mendis I have no hesitation in saying that he could be to bowling what the great Don Bradman was to batting,” the former opener told the Gulf Times yesterday.
“In fact, if you permit me, I’d even say Mendis is a freak. He is a freaky phenomenon, a once-in-a-lifetime player like Bradman who could break all records if he stays healthy,” enthused Warnapura, who is visiting Qatar as part of his work as a development officer with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
“Look at Bradman. He has a Test match average of 99.96. Can anyone beat it? Never. Mendis could also end up breaking all bowling records,” predicted Warnapura.
Mendis shot into the limelight at the Asia Cup earlier this year where he foxed batsmen by sometimes bowling six different balls in one over. His mesmerising spells helped Sri Lanka win the tournament beating India and Pakistan in the process.
Bowling off a longish run-up, he delivers a mixture of googlies, off-breaks, top-spinners, flippers and leg-breaks and is credited with inventing the carom ball, a fizzing delivery released with a flick of his middle finger.
In the final of the Asia Cup against India he claimed figures of 6 for 13 and his 17 scalps in the event earned him the man of the series award.
Mendis proved his performance at the Asia Cup was no fluke when he made his Test debut against India last July and almost single-handedly routed them, taking a whopping 26 wickets in three Tests which Sri Lanka won 2-1.
His first scalp was Rahul ‘The Wall’ Dravid bowled by the carrom ball that pegged back the batsman’s off-stump after pitching on middle. He claimed eight wickets for 132 in the Test, the best figures recorded by a Sri Lankan bowler making his debut.
Mendis was praised to the skies by the master Muralitharan himself after the match.
“When I started playing Test cricket, I was not as good as Mendis. He is exceptional. He is the future of Sri Lankan cricket,” Muralitharan said.
Mendis collected his first ten-wicket haul in the very next match, but Sri Lanka lost the match thanks to a double century by Virender Sehwag and some fine bowling by Harbhajan Singh who also claimed 10 wickets.. But with 26 wickets (ave.18.38) in the series, Mendis set a world record for most scalps by a bowler on his debut in a three-Test by series.
Mendis won the player of the series award for his efforts and the Indians’ reputation as the best players of spin bowling took a hammering. Adding insult to injury was the fact that the Sri Lankans lived up to captain Mahela Jayawardene’s promise of not allowing Sachin Tendulkar to break Brian Lara’s Test record of most runs on Lankan soil.
Warnapura said Mendis made his international debut at the right time.
“Some say Mendis should have been thrust onto the world stage much earlier, but if you ask me he was introduced at just about the perfect time because many promising spinners have just faded away after making their debuts as teenagers,” said Warnapura.
“At 23 Mendis was seasoned enough. He had the maturity to handle pressure unlike some so-called prodigies who just disappeared after being mauled, their confidence totally shattered.
“They were not ready, but the selectors were ready to expose them and they suffered badly.”

Must-Read Books >> | Mystery Spinner UNCOVERED

Gideon Haigh's biography of Iverson painstakingly unearths the story of a talented misfit

Steven Lynch

October 18, 2008

Suddenly "mystery spin" is back in the cricket news, thanks to Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka. Mendis' mesmerising carrom delivery, flicked out by a finger curled up underneath the ball, has only been seriously attempted in international cricket before by a couple of Australians: there was John Gleeson, for a few years from the late 1960s, and a generation before that, there was Jack Iverson.

Big and awkward, Iverson couldn't bat, and he couldn't field. He was mentally fragile, convinced that he could never get certain batsmen out, and easily discouraged. All round, as his biographer claims, he was probably the worst pure cricketer ever to play at the highest level.

But what Iverson could do was bowl, mainly using the homespun finger-flicking method he'd honed by fooling around with a table-tennis ball, and he was remarkably accurate with it. In his one Test series, against England in 1950-51 when he was already 35, he took 21 wickets at 15.23, confounding several decent players of orthodox spin. In a short first-class career - 34 matches over five seasons - he claimed 157 wickets at less than 20 apiece. Many judges, Richie Benaud and Keith Miller among them, thought that Iverson would have won Australia the 1953 Ashes series (they eventually lost it 0-1), but worried by what he thought was a loss of form, Iverson had played only twice for Victoria in the preceding home season.

Such a short career doesn't, on the face of it, seem to warrant a biography running to nearly 400 pages. If the writer was anyone other than the erudite Gideon Haigh, you'd be worried by the admission that he never met Iverson, who committed suicide in 1973, and never saw him bowl (mind you, they did go the same school). Others might have resorted to listing the matches Iverson played and reeling off tedious club performances, but that's not the Haigh style, fortunately. He spoke to everyone he could who had seen Iverson play. He tracked down his daughters (one of whom wasn't terribly co-operative at first) and his sister. And he looked up obscure articles in the Tarrengower Times (reading every edition from 1934 to 1936, the years when Iverson was working nearby) and the Romsey Examiner. At the end you really feel you know this mystery man. The whole thing is a delight, a gripping (no pun intended) read, and an object lesson to anyone tempted to try their hand at biography.

From the book:
"I was offered myriad examples of Jack's cricket naivety, particularly in the field. Apparently, he sometimes had difficulty remembering the names of fielding positions - Lindsay Hassett would have to point out where he wanted Jack to stand. He also found elusive the understanding that fielders should move in as the bowler approached - he preferred to stand still, and rarely tried to stop a ball running either side of him.

On the field, he sometimes said things that to lifetime cricketers sounded a little strange. Bill Johnston recalls how, during the first Shield match he played with Jack for Victoria at the Adelaide Oval in November 1950, Jack came up to him between overs while Lance Duldig was batting and said: 'You've got to get this fellow out, Bill.'

'Hang on,' Johnston replied. 'You've got eight balls in your over, same as I have.'

'Well,' said Jack, 'he got a century against us last time.' Johnston walked away wondering at the assumption that a batsman who'd scored a century once would naturally do so again.

[But] no-one ever seems to have been too fussed by Jack's idiosyncrasies, and no-one told a story against Jack more often than Jack himself."

Mystery Spinner: The Story of Jack Iverson
by Gideon Haigh
Text Publishing, 1999

The legend of Splendid Mendis | by Damith S

Legend has it that Splendid was conceived at the foot of the mythical Adams peak. Thus people believe this is where Mendis draws his supernatural powers, enabling him to run through a batting line up with a mere flick of his fingers. When Splendid Mendis entered this mortal earth, it is said that that he thanked his mother for her troubles and told his dad “Ill take it from here”. Splendid then proceeded to create a horse drawn carriage from a few sticks outside the hospital and pulled the thing himself with his parents on board and took them home. He later returned to pick up his dads car from the car park. At age 7 Splendid Mendis’s legend was known only to a select few in the outer regions of the country. But all that changed over night when, playing back yard cricket with his friends, Splendid dismissed the entire opposition by himself. That alone might not seem that impressive. But when he repeated the same 10 times over in the next 10 games everyone took notice. 3 years later , 10 year old Splendid completed his degrees. When he wanted to do a octagon degree – a combination of 8 different disciplines, no university offered it. So he studied in 25 universities at the same time and completed 25 different degrees. It was a combination of Mechanics, Mechatronics, Advanced Physics, Biology and some other thing even we cant pronounce. For his dissertation he did part time consultancy for NASA and promptly discovered a new universe. NASA offered to call it the Splendid Universe but Mendis shied away from the spot light. Splendid was a humble man from the beginning. At age 11 Splendid was picked by the Australian Cricket team and offered Aussie citizenship. He declined and instead went on to join the Sri Lankan army. Both the cricket team and military. Mendis once destroyed an entire fleet of rebel battleships with nothing but a leather ball and a flick of his legendary fingers. When not destroying rebel battalions Splendid was destroying batting line ups in club cricket at 12. He has taken a 1000 wickets in every season he has played in with a average of –(minus) 155. A recent poll conducted revealed that 99.99% of the males in Sri Lanka want to be Splendid Mendis. The 0.01% was Mendis himself. Another poll revealed that 87% of the worlds women want to sleep with Splendid. 100% of the men want the same. Mendis can drink 50 kegs of beer in one go. And still do 100 Everclear shots one after the other. Splendid was in fact picked for the Sri Lankan test team at age 13 but he declined as he dint want to steal the spotlight from Murali. The official name for Sri Lanka is actually The Republique of Ajantha Splendid Mendis, but its more commonly know as Sri Lanka, which is one of the many nick names for Splendid Mendis. The Large Hadron Collider project was actually in ruins before Splendid offered his help. He dug the tunnel and connected the tubes in 15 minutes. The first particle they will collide will be Splendid running in opposite direction at the same time. The Sri Lankan test team hired Mendis as a bowling Machine as net practice for their test tours to India but soon gave up the plan after 300 000 balls of playing and missing. Splendid coached Terry Jenner. His bowling average has reached minus infinity. Thrice. Shane Warne said he was glad he is not playing in the Era of The Splendid. Splendid doesn't use pick up lines. He merely looks at women and they want give him their number. Women have been asked not to look directly into his eyes. If they do they will shudder with multiple orgasms. Splendid has been nominated and has won the greatest human ever award in each of his 20 years on earth. This has largely gone unnoticed to the world because he has requested that his name be kept out of the papers. And Finally, Don Bradman has said that he would never have got a test run if Splendid had been around when he played.

These are but a mere snippet of the folklore surrounding the great man.
Many of his legendary feats have been lost through the times or been forgotten. However flyslip has dedicated himself to unveiling all the great stories surrounding Splendid.

Thanks to : http://fly-slip.blogspot.com/

Mendis to play for Rajasthan in Ranji

Sri Lankan spin sensation Ajantha Mendis will turn up for Rajasthan in the forthcoming Ranji Trophy season. The BCCI had recently allowed each state to rope in an international player in a bid to improve the status of the country's biggest domestic competition and Rajasthan seems to have made a big scoop in this regard. RCA sources confirmed that talks are on with Mendis and the deal is almost finalised. Mendis though first has to get a clearance from the Sri Lankan Army team, which he represents in the country's domestic competitions. The mystery spinner had bamboozled India with a six-wicket haul in the Asia Cup final and continued to trouble India during the Test series in Sri Lanka. He took an astonishing 26 wickets in just three Tests and carried on with his good form in the following five ODIs snapping 14 wickets. He was also honoured in the recent ICC awards ceremony. Bengal has already roped in the services of Mendis' teammate and ace spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

T20 show makes Ajantha Mendis richer

The recently concluded four-nation Twenty20 tournament in Canada has made Sri Lanka's 23-year-old mystery bowler Ajantha Mendis richer. "He (Mendis) has been awarded an apartment in UAE," Atul Ahuja, Cricket Canada's CEO said from Toronto. "Mendis has been given this special prize by the sponsors (Al Barakah) of the tournament," he said. "The details of allotting the apartment in Ajman (UAE) is being worked out," he added. Mendis, who has had a sensational start to his international career, took 26 wickets in his debut Test series against India. The mystery spinner also bagged the man of the series award in the T20 competition, which Sri Lanka won by beating Pakistan in the final.

Canada T20 | Sri Lanka lifts Twenty20 Canada Cup thanks to Jayasuriya & Mendis show

TORONTO, Oct. 13 (APP):- Sri Lanka lifted the inaugural Al-Barakah Twenty20 Canada Cup Cricket Championship at Maple Leaf Stadium on Monday in style with five wickets win over Pakistan in the final with Ajantha Mendis and Sanath Jayasuriya leading the way. Sri Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis captured top wickets for 23 runs in four over as Pakistan inserted to bat first, were restricted to 132 for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. Sri Lanka after little hiccups in reply romped home for the loss of five wickets with one over to spare. Veteran Jayasuriya set the tune for victory with a dazzling knock of 40 in 34 balls with three 4s and brace of 6s, providing Sri Lanka a flying start of 66 runs in seven overs with fellow opener Mahela Udawatte, who smashed three boundaries and one six his 19 ball knock of 25. Pakistan pace trio of Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir and Umar Gul made a disappointing start with their wayward bowling. Akhtar was smashed for boundary by Jayasuriya and then pulled him for two back to back sixes into the mid wicket stand Gul conceded 17 in his first over. Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik put Pakistan back into the game with three quick wickets. Udawatte beaten in the flight by Afridi and was caught by Shoaib Akhtar at long-off. Malik then bowled Jayasuriya round his legs and picked up the all important wicket of Jayewardene for five. Lankans were slightly under pressure at 94-4 in 14th over. Though Gul clean bowled Weeraretne for 12 with two boundaries to make it 115-5. But Kapugedera made steady undefeated 17 to steer his team to their first triumph against Pakistan in twenty20 international. It was a sweet revenge for the Lankans in front of estimated crowed of 10,000 after they lost their league round match to Pakistan two-days ago due to heroics from skipper Shoaib Malik and Fawad Alam. But this time Pakistan failed to repeat their magic with the return of Captain Mahela Jayawardene and Mendis. CEO of Al-Barakah Imran Khan and Pakistan High Commissioner in Canada Moosa Chohan presented the glittering golden trophy to Sri Lankan Captain Jayawardene with cash prize of Canadian$60,000 while Shoaib Malik collected C$30,000. Man of the final Jayasuriya got the brand new Ford Focus Car key from Zakir Bhay. Man of the series Ajantha Mendis got apartment key in Ajman. Earlier southpaw opener Salman Butt held Pakistan innings together with an enterprising 44 off 41 balls laced with four boundaries and one six. Ajantha Mendis caused the trouble in Pakistan batting ranks With three wickets to end the event with 11 scalps to his credit in the competition.

Regulars | The List >> Mendis beats a Bedser best

Which bowlers have taken the most wickets in debut series of varying length

Travis Basevi and George Binoy August 13, 2008

The last time a Sri Lankan bowler took more wickets than Muttiah Muralitharan in a Test series - barring the one at home against South Africa in 2004 where he played only one match - was when West Indies visited in 2001-02. Murali would have topped the wickets tally again against India had it not been for a record-breaking performance from Ajantha Mendis in his debut series. Mendis' 26 wickets at 18.38 apiece was the record for most wickets by a debutant in a three-Test series. This week's List looks at bowlers with the most wickets in debut series of varying length.

The record that Mendis broke belonged to Alec Bedser, which he set during a three-Test rubber against India in 1946. Bedser took 24 wickets in five innings at 12.41, including 11-wicket hauls in the first two Tests. His 7 for 49 at Lord's was the second-best performance in an innings on debut, after Albert Trott's 8 for 43 against England at the Adelaide Oval in 1895.

Does anyone remember Franklyn Saliya Ahangama? He was a Sri Lankan medium-pacer fast-tracked into the Test side less than two weeks after his first-class debut with Sri Lanka Colts in 1985. He dismissed Mohammad Azharuddin with his fourth ball in Test cricket - the first of his 18 wickets at 19.33 apiece in the three-Test series against India. He took five wickets in his second match, at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium, which was Sri Lanka's maiden Test victory. Injuries, combined with the short supply of Tests, curtailed Ahangama's career and though he toured England in 1988 and 1991, the 1985 series against India remained his only Test appearances.

Player	Mat	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Ave	5	10		Series	Season
BAW Mendis (SL)	3	979	478	26	6/117	18.38	2	1		v India	2008
AV Bedser (Eng)	3	866	298	24	7/49	12.41	2	2		v India	1946
SR Clark (Aus)	3	708	317	20	5/55	15.85	1	0		v South Africa	2005/06
J Cowie (NZ)	3	839	395	19	6/67	20.78	1	1		v England	1937
FS Ahangama (SL)	3	801	348	18	5/52	19.33	1	0		v India	1985
Shabbir Ahmed (Pak)	3	714	341	17	5/48	20.05	1	0		v Bangladesh	2003
MRCN Bandaratilleke (SL)	3	960	339	16	5/36	21.18	1	0		v New Zealand	1998
RO Collinge (NZ)	3	655	265	15	3/41	17.66	0	0		v Pakistan	1964/65
RJ Shastri (India)	3	882	277	15	5/125	18.46	1	0		v New Zealand	1980/81
BKV Prasad (India)	3	855	375	15	5/76	25.00	1	0		v England	1996

The West Indian spinners Alf Valentine and Sonny Ramadhin are first and third on the list of highest wicket-takers on debut in a four-Test series. Both played their first Test at Old Trafford during the tour of England in 1950, which West Indies won 3-1. Valentine finished the series with 33 wickets while Ramadhin took 26. John Goddard was West Indies' next highest wicket-taker, with six. Valentine and Ramadhin bowled 800.2 overs between them and, bizarrely, finished with the same economy-rate of 1.59 per over. Their performances helped West Indies secure their maiden Test and series victory in England.

Player	Mat	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Ave	5	10		Series	Season
AL Valentine (WI)	4	2535	674	33	8/104	20.42	2	2		v England	1950
FS Trueman (Eng)	4	718	386	29	8/31	13.31	2	0		v India	1952
S Ramadhin (WI)	4	2267	604	26	6/86	23.23	3	1		v England	1950
W Ferguson (WI)	4	1296	567	23	6/92	24.65	3	1		v England	1947/48
S Venkataraghavan (India)	4	1545	399	21	8/72	19.00	1	1		v New Zealand	1964/65
JC Laker (Eng)	4	1120	548	18	7/103	30.44	1	0		v West Indies	1947/48
W Voce (Eng)	4	1130	584	17	7/70	34.35	1	1		v West Indies	1929/30
GAE Paine (Eng)	4	1044	467	17	5/168	27.47	1	0		v West Indies	1934/35
NGB Cook (Eng)	2	812	275	17	5/35	16.17	2	0		v New Zealand	1983
W Bates (Eng)	4	964	334	16	4/52	20.87	0	0		v Australia	1881/82

Australian legspinner Arthur Mailey's 36 scalps during the 1920-21 Ashes is the record for most wickets by a debutant in a five-Test series. He beat Frank Foster's tally of 32 against Australia during the 1911-12 Ashes. Mailey did not bowl in the second Test, in Melbourne. He took six wickets in Sydney, ten in Adelaide, 13 at the MCG (in the fourth Test), and seven more at the SCG. His haul of 9 for 121 in Melbourne is the best in an innings by an Australian bowler.

Player	Mat	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Ave	5	10		Series	Season
AA Mailey (Aus)	5	1465	946	36	9/121	26.27	4	2		v England	1920/21
CEH Croft (WI)	5	1307	676	33	8/29	20.48	1	0		v Pakistan	1976/77
FR Foster (Eng)	5	1660	692	32	6/91	21.62	3	0		v Australia	1911/12
AS Kennedy (Eng)	5	1683	599	31	5/76	19.32	2	0		v South Africa	1922/23
WW Hall (WI)	5	1330	530	30	6/50	17.66	2	1		v India	1958/59
GB Lawrence (SA)	5	1334	512	28	8/53	18.28	2	0		v New Zealand	1961/62
WM Clark (Aus)	5	1585	701	28	4/46	25.03	0	0		v India	1977/78
AE Hall (SA)	4	1505	501	27	7/63	18.55	2	1		v England	1922/23
MW Tate (Eng)	5	1304	424	27	6/42	15.70	1	0		v South Africa	1924
WS Lees (Eng)	5	1256	467	26	6/78	17.96	2	0		v South Africa	1905/06

Terry Alderman has the highest wicket-aggregate for a debutant in a six-Test series, a mark unlikely to be bettered for there hasn't been a series of such length since 1998. Alderman took 9 for 130 on debut at Trent Bridge during the 1981 Ashes and went on to take 42 wickets in the series, beating Lillee's 39. Alderman bettered Rodney Hogg's record of 41 wickets, set in the 1978-79 Ashes, and his 42 wickets is the second highest series-tally for an Australian after Clarrie Grimmett's 44 in five Tests against South Africa in 1935-36.

Most wickets in a six-Test series on debut

Player	Mat	Balls	Runs	Wkts	BBI	Ave	5	10		Series	Season
TM Alderman (Aus)	6	1950	893	42	6/135	21.26	4	0		v England	1981
RM Hogg (Aus)	6	1740	527	41	6/74	12.85	5	2		v England	1978/79
DR Doshi (India)	6	1838	630	27	6/103	23.33	2	0		v Australia	1979/80
DG Cork (Eng)	5	1106	661	26	7/43	25.42	1	0		v West Indies	1995
NS Yadav (India)	5	1407	577	24	4/35	24.04	0	0		v Australia	1979/80
PM Such (Eng)	5	1439	541	16	6/67	33.81	1	0		v Australia	1993
DW Headley (Eng)	3	788	444	16	4/72	27.75	0	0		v Australia	1997
Ehteshamuddin (Pak)	3	748	270	14	5/47	19.28	1	0		v India	1979/80
RMH Binny (India)	6	725	399	11	3/53	36.27	0	0		v Pakistan	1979/80
MA Holding (WI)	5	1125	614	10	4/88	61.40	0	0		v Australia	1975/76

In one-day internationals, the most wickets by a debutant in a series is 13. Shaun Pollock broke the 11-wicket mark, set by South Africa medium-pacer Eric Simons against the visiting Australians in 1993-94, when he took 13 in the seven-match series in 1995-96. That was equalled in 2008 by New Zealand medium-pacer Tim Southee, who took 13 wickets during the five-ODI series in England.

Shane Bond made the biggest splash on debut in a multi-nation one-day tournament. He took 21 wickets at 16.38 apiece in nine matches during the tri-series in Australia in 2001-02, beating established bowlers such as Glenn McGrath and Makhaya Ntini by seven wickets. The previous record was held by Simon Davis and Tony Dodemaide of Australia, who took 18 wickets each in the 1985-86 and 1987-88 World Series Cup.

Most wickets in a multi-team ODI tournament on debut

Player	Mat	Wkts	BBI	Ave	5		Series	Season
SE Bond (NZ)	9	21	5/25	16.38	1		VB Series	2001/02
SP Davis (Aus)	12	18	3/10	16.61	0		World Series Cup	1985/86
AIC Dodemaide (Aus)	10	18	5/21	16.05	1		World Series Cup	1987/88
MC Snedden (NZ)	10	17	3/27	21.94	0		World Series Cup	1980/81
BA Reid (Aus)	12	17	5/53	25.17	1		World Series Cup	1985/86
GD McGrath (Aus)	8	16	4/24	17.25	0		World Series	1993/94
B Lee (Aus)	9	16	5/27	20.00	1		Carlton & United Series	1999/00
IK Pathan (India)	10	16	4/24	31.06	0		VB Series	2003/04
DR Doshi (India)	10	15	4/30	20.86	0		World Series Cup	1980/81
CG Rackemann (Aus)	6	15	4/39	16.46	0		World Series Cup	1982/83
CJ McDermott (Aus)	11	15	3/30	32.13	0		World Series Cup	1984/85
SP O'Donnell (Aus)	13	14	2/19	37.35	0		World Series Cup	1984/85
MG Hughes (Aus)	9	14	4/44	22.07	0		World Series	1988/89
DR Gilbert (Aus)	9	13	5/46	28.92	1		World Series Cup	1985/86
SR Gillespie (NZ)	8	13	4/30	20.38	0		World Series Cup	1985/86

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