Indians need patience to counter Mendis

Mumbai: Every ex-cricketer seems to have their own formula to play new spin sensation Ajantha Mendis even before he has made his Test debut, so does former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Ranjit Fernando, who feels patience will play rich dividends while playing him.

"The best way to play Mendis and read his six different varieties of balls is to spend as much time as possible in the middle. If you are patient and occupy the crease for a long time, you can read him better and make adjustments to play his lethal 'carrom ball'," Fernando, who will be on the commentators panel during the series, has told The Times of India on Saturday.

"Even before the Asia Cup in Pakistan, Lankan wicketkeeper Kumara Sangakkara spent hours together behind the stumps during net practice to understand his bowling," he added.

"The biggest asset about Mendis is that he comes from a humble background and that is why he has lot of self belief and has bowled his heart out for the Army Eleven as he was their main bowler during the domestic competition," Fernando observed.

"Even though Mendis is not a big turner of the ball, his pace variation is something that can puzzle any batsman in the world. He is a low and slow spinner and has amazing control over the line and length," he pointed out.

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