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Instant
fame puts Mendis under pressure
The
amount of hype that has been built on spin sensation
Ajantha Mendis before he steps into the big arena of
Test cricket is bound to have its effects on him personally.
Four months ago 23-year-old Mendis was relatively unknown
in international cricket, but from total obscurity he
has suddenly shot into prominence and came to hog the
limelight so fast that even he might be feeling the
pressure of the big things expected of him.
“We can’t control the hype that is being built
up. For us the important thing is we stick to our game
plan and try and execute it. It’s good to have
him but we haven’t finalised our 11 because of
the conditions with the pitch being under cover,”
said Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene ahead of today’s
first Test against India which starts at the SSC.
“It’s good for him if he makes his debut because
it’s a great opportunity for a young guy who had
come from humble beginnings. He has the luxury of Murali
and Vaas around him to take on the responsibility. What
we want Ajantha to do is go out there and enjoy himself.
There are a lot of expectations from a lot of other
people but from the team’s point of view there
is hardly any expectation,” Jayawardene said.
“We
know cricketers have good days and bad days. We just
want everyone to go out there and enjoy their cricket.
That’s the attitude we will give to Ajantha if
he plays tomorrow,” he said.
Indian
captain Anil Kumble said the ball was in Mendis’
court than on his side because he was going to play
in his first Test.
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