India in Sri Lanka 2008-09
February 1, 2009
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Ajantha Mendis, the Sri Lankan spinner, has not had an impact in the first two ODIs against India but his lack of success is "not a huge concern" for his captain Mahela Jayawardene.
Mendis was the fastest to 50 wickets in ODIs, reaching the landmark in his 19th match, and had success in his initial duels with India, taking19 wickets in his first six ODIs against them. However, he's managed only two tail-end wickets in this series and conceded 91 runs in 20 overs.
"We cannot ask a 23-year-old to pick four wickets in every game. I am sure Ajantha will bounce back," Jayawardene said. "Right now, they [India] are playing him well. The batsmen also adjust themselves and then the bowlers try to change what they want to do and that's how they learn.
"He is still bowling well and creating opportunities. He is probably not picking wickets because the batsmen are not taking too many risks against him."
It is not only Mendis the Indians have countered effectively to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Muttiah Muralitharan took only 1 for 52 in Dambulla, went wicketless for 32 in Colombo. He is two wickets away from breaking Wasim Akram's record of 502 ODI wickets.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, however, did not overplay his batsmen's success. "I won't say that our batsmen have got the better of the Sri Lankan spinners," he said. "They are not getting wickets, but at the same time they are not giving away too many runs. We are cautious and targeting other bowlers. We are happy that we are not giving wickets to the spinners."
Sri Lanka and India will play the third ODI - another day-night contest - at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 3. The venue will continue to host the remaining ODIs following a change in the schedule. The SSC will not be able to host the fifth ODI, due to security reasons. The fourth match is a day-night affair while the fifth is a day game.
© Cricinfo
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