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Dubai: The whole cricketing world is keen to understand the mystery behind Ajantha Mendis's bowling. Not only cricket coaches but also lovers of the game are trying hard to unravel the mystery.
A clip of Mendis bowling on the website YouTube has recorded 89,853 viewers. One can watch the various deliveries which foxed the batsmen during the West Indies series with a commentary from former West Indian pacer Colin Croft on the popular website. Every hour the number of viewers are increasing by thousands.
Many feel that India's experienced batsmen may expose Mendis during the Test series. It was his splendid bowling against India in the Asia Cup final that won the tournament for Sri Lanka but Indian cricket fans are keen to see how Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar would play him.
Amjad Ali, the UAE batsman who hit Mendis for 17 runs in one over, may have the solution. "I used my feet to step out and hit him before he pitched the ball." he said.
One of the explanations being considered for Mendis's bowling success is the inability of modern batsmen to use their feet to get to the pitch of the ball.
Real test to come
With the increase in One-dayers even spinners bowl flat and fast deliveries and this has resulted in batsmen refusing to use their feet to get to the pitch of the ball. Most of the One-day shots are played from the crease and this trend makes Mendis a tough bowler to spot.
The series against India could reveal whether Mendis is a dangerous bowler or just another bowler who has to be handled with care.
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