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!