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