Won't try to do anything fancy, says Mendis

Sri Lanka mystery spinner says sticking to the basics is the best idea against Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard

Ajantha Mendis, Sri Lanka’s spin frontman, said that Sri Lanka was not planning anything special and intended to stick to the basics to come out on top in the ICC World Twenty20 2012 final against the West Indies.

“We will try to do our best. Home crowd and home advantage. We’ll do our best,” said Mendis when asked about the weight of expectations that the team carried playing the final at home.

Mendis believes that while the pitch might aid the spinners, they would still have to bowl in the correct areas to get wickets. “I think, (on) any wicket, we have to bowl line and length and bowl good areas,” said Mendis. “The West Indies side has good hitters.”

“There is no big plan. I think we’ll try and block the shots,” reiterated Mendis, adding that he wouldn’t try anything fancy against the likes of Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard. “Nothing special. Bowl line and length.  And block the shots from Gayle and pollard.”

Mendis said that Sri Lanka felt quite confident going into the final considering its all-round display throughout the tournament. “The feeling is good. Team (is) practicing well. Bowling, batting and fielding is good. Everyone is ready to play the final,” concluded Mendis.