Butt claims to have broken the Mendis code

Pakistan opener Salman Butt claims to have found the key to success against Sri Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis after watching him bowl during the Indian Premier League trials for Kolkata Knight Riders. "He bowls like the typical finger tape tennis bowlers you find playing on the streets of Pakistan and his success comes from the fact that he has a very good faster ball without any visible change to his bowling action or grip on the ball," Butt told.

Butt said he would now be more comfortable while facing up to the unorthodox off-spin of Mendis during Pakistan's upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

"At the end of the season, Mendis had appeared in trials for the Kolkata Knight Riders and I got a chance to watch him bowl and also played him in the nets," Butt said.

"He uses his top finger to obtain speed off the surface and turn without changing his action," the opener added.

Bowlers who use just two fingers to obtain turn and speed from tennis balls covered with tape in street cricket in Pakistan are described as tape tennis specialists.

Mendis has been a runaway success since the Asia Cup held in Pakistan last year during which he bamboozled the batsmen with his variations taking six for 13 in the final against India in Karachi.

Mendis has taken 48 wickets at an average of 10.12 in 18 one-day internationals besides scalping 26 in three Tests against India.

Ajantha Mendis | Young Sri Lankan has world in a spin

The most vivid sporting memories are generally seen in the flesh, but there was little more memorable in 2008 than a glimpse on television of a match being played halfway around the world.

It was a one-day international between West Indies and Sri Lanka. Its sole novelty was a young Sri Lankan spin bowler named Ajantha Mendis.

The moment of revelation came when Mendis bowled Darren Sammy, a lower-order batsman but one not lacking in ability. Sammy could hardly have been more bemused if the ball had disappeared entirely in its flight. Something remarkable had just flitted into view. The rest of the year confirmed that first impression.

India's batsmen, brought up in conditions that favor slow bowling, generally cope well with cricketing legerdemain and deception. Shane Warne, Australia's spin magician, had only a modest record against India. Yet India's batsmen were utterly confounded by the variations in pace, flight and spin that Mendis, 23, can summon up from his immensely powerful fingers.

In the final of the Asian Cup, he took six wickets for 13 runs against India. It was one of the best sets of figures ever in a one-day international.

Mendis then took 26 wickets in three five-day tests, the most ever in a three-match debut series, against the Indians. By the end of the series, India regarded Muttiah Muralitharan, international cricket's all-time record wicket-taker, as the softer option.

Mendis's averages per wicket - 10.12 in one-day internationals and 18.38 in tests - look like something from another, much lower-scoring age.

Cricket goes into 2009 with many imponderables, some entirely off-field. None on the field is more fascinating than whether Mendis maintains that early promise.

For now, he is a "mystery spinner." Batsman cannot work out his method and predict what is coming toward them.

Where earlier generations had only the evidence of their own eyes, experience and instincts and the game's grapevine, the moderns have access to intensive video analysis and nobody will be examined more closely than Mendis.

Those early averages, particularly the one-day one, will be hard to maintain unless Mendis is truly freakish. Yet they do suggest that Mendis will be a force for years to come.

Three remarkable spinners - Warne, Muralitharan and India's Anil Kumble - have towered over the past two decades.

Batsmen learned their methods and went cross-eyed examining film. Yet they continued to take hundreds of wickets. Mendis appears to have the mix of subtlety in variation and robustness in method to do the same.

Unlike Muralitharan, Mendis does not have to face worries about the legality of his bowling action. He is absent with an ankle injury from Sri Lanka's current series against Bangladesh, but he should be back in January for the greater challenge of tests in Pakistan.

A controversial figure among Sri Lanka's Tamil minority because he plays domestic cricket for the army club, he may, nevertheless, prolong the career of the Tamil hero, Muralitharan, who no longer has to carry the burden of bowling opposing teams out by himself.

Mendis is not the only rising practitioner of what was once thought a dying art. Shakib al-Hasan, a 21-year-old, could be the match winner Bangladesh has been looking for since it entered test cricket and India has a new wrist-spinner in Amit Mishra.

Fit-again Mendis joins Sri Lanka squad in Bangladesh

Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis joined the squad in Bangladesh Monday after a quick recovery from an ankle injury that was expected to keep him out of the test series.

Mendis, 23, suffered severe soft tissue damage in his right ankle during a domestic game early this month and was replaced by left-arm spinner Rangana Herath for the two-test series.

"My ankle is alright now as I am feeling no pain," Mendis told reporters on his arrival in Dhaka Monday.

He is now expected to play in the second test starting in Chittagong Saturday.

Sri Lanka are in command in the first test in Dhaka after taking an overall lead of 406 runs after the third day. Monday is rest day due to parliamentary elections.

The unorthodox finger spinner was declared Man-of-the-Series on his test debut against India in July-August, taking 26 wickets at 18.38 runs apiece to help clinch the three-game series 2-1.

If he plays in Chittagong, it will only be his fourth test.

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."