Ajantha Mendis who announced his retirement from international cricket intends to support Sri Lanka Cricket in the capacity as a coach.
Speaking at a press conference held at Army Engineering Regiment Colombo on Monday he said that it feels sad to end his international career but considering his age as well as the fitness issues it was time to retire.
“I have completed level three coaching and I will support Sri Lanka Cricket in the capacity as a coach if they need me in the future,” said Mendis.
Branded a ‘mystery spinner’ when he entered international cricket Mendis, 34 last played for Sri Lanka in 2015. He is the only bowler to take a six-wicket haul in T20Is twice. He also reached 50 ODI wickets faster than anyone else in history.
Mendis played 19 Tests, 87 ODIs and 39 T20Is for Sri Lanka, picking 70, 152 and 66 wickets respectively.
He started his career on a high note taking 6/13 in the Asia Cup final in 2008 against India. He then troubled India further, picking up 28 wickets in a three-Test series at home which Sri Lanka won 2-1.
Once other countries came to learn the aura of mystery about his bowling Mendis’ effectiveness as a bowler was on the wane and coupled with injuries lost his place in the national side.
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