Mendis to receive military promotion after Asia Cup heroics
Thursday, 10 July 2008
COLOMBO, July 9 (AP): Ajantha Mendis, the soldier who guided Sri Lanka to its second successive Asia Cup win with his crafty spin bowling is in line to be promoted three ranks higher to the rank of sergeant, a military officer said Tuesday.
Mendis, a gunner in Sri Lanka Army's artillery regiment, Sunday took 6-13, record bowling figures in the history of the tournament against favourites India and helped his side defend the title.
"He has been recommended to be promoted to the rank of a sergeant," military spokesman Brig Gen Udaya Nanayakkara said.
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 273 runs. However, Mendis' unorthodox bowling style and subtle variations confused the powerful Indian batting lineup as they crumbled to a 100-run loss.
Mendis, a gunner in Sri Lanka Army's artillery regiment, Sunday took 6-13, record bowling figures in the history of the tournament against favourites India and helped his side defend the title.
"He has been recommended to be promoted to the rank of a sergeant," military spokesman Brig Gen Udaya Nanayakkara said.
Asked to bat first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 273 runs. However, Mendis' unorthodox bowling style and subtle variations confused the powerful Indian batting lineup as they crumbled to a 100-run loss.