Mendis set to make Test debut

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis look set to make his test debut when he was named in a 14 member Sri Lanka squad for the opening test match against the touring Indian team which begins at the SSC ground in Maitland Place tomorrow.

Mendis who has already shot into fame following his heroics in the limited overs game is certain to form a deadly spin combination together with the champion off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

Mendis who spearheaded Sri Lanka to retain the Asia Cup with career best figures in Pakistan recently said that he is delighted to be included in the national team and is looking forward to the challenge ahead of him.

The 23 year old who preferred to be called as an off cutter is hoping to continue with his dominance against the Indian batsmen after having mesmerised them with a six wicket haul in the Asia Cup final at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Mendis noted that this is probably the best time for him to make an impact in the longer version of the game following his tremendous success in the limited overs game where he has captured a total of 20 wickets from just eight matches.

In addition to Sri Lanka’s spin combination the national selectors have also named three other seamers veteran Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Kulasekera and Thilina Thushara.

However only two of them will be picked for the match and according to reliable sources Nuwan Kulasekera is likely to be left out.

The selectors of course did not consider three other key bowlers Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof as they are all on the injured list. Fernando injured his right knee while bowling during the three day warm up match for the Board XI at the NCC grounds.

This means that Sri Lanka are forced to field four bowlers and six batsmen for the test with Prasanna Jayawardena as the specialist wicket keeper. However the number six position in the batting line up will be fought out between Tillekeratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva and Chamara Kapugedera.

Meanwhile Michael van Dort and Malinda Warnapura have retained their places and will continue to open the batting after Upul Tharanga disappointed with the bat during the three day warm up match for the Board XI.