Ajantha Mendis, perhaps cricket’s original mystery spinner in the video analysis age, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game. The 34-year old last played international cricket in 2015, an ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch.
The inventor of what became known as the “carrom ball” – legbreaks produced by flicking the ball like a striker on a carrom board – took 70 wickets in 19 Tests, 152 in 87 ODIs and 66 in 39 T20Is.
He made his debut against West Indies in an ODI in April 2008, when he took 3 for 39, but it is at the Asia Cup that followed which produced Mendis’ most famous memories. After 11 wickets in four games, he blew India away in the final in Karachi, taking 6 for 13 as Sri Lanka romped to a 100-run win. He would go on to become the fastest player to 50 ODI wickets, a record he still holds.
More to follow…
Source: ESPN Crickinfo