 Indian batsman Rahul Dravid has said that the side is confident enough
to face up to the challenge that the "mystery spinner" Ajantha Mendis
will put up to the Indian side for the tour of Sri Lanka that will start from
next month.
Mendis was the wrecker in chief of the Indian side the previous time the side
had toured Sri Lanka, and that had enabled the hosts to win the series 2-1.
Sri Lanka had won the first and the third Test match whereas India had won the
second. Mendis had picked up 26 wickets and most of the Indian batsmen were
at sea against him.
The Indian Wall said that most of the Indian batsmen now knew how to face up
to the threat Mendis posed and was confident that they should be able to play
him well.
Dravid admitted, "He is still a good bowler," but added, "He
was completely new to us when we toured Sri Lanka last time. He got the measure
our team last time, there is no doubt about it. He played a major role in the
series. But hopefully, we have learnt our lesson."
Dravid also pointed out that the Indian side played Mendis well on the last
tour that the Lankans had taken to India and that is where the lesson to play
him had come from. Dravid added that Mendis was an international bowler who
would also improved from time to time and hence it would be interesting to see
how he goes about his business.
Mendis had figures of 2/162 in the one Test he played in India.
Dravid himself has been out of action for six months, having not played since
getting hit on his head by a bouncer. He had made an unbeaten century against
Bangladesh in the second of two Tests before retiring hurt. This meant that
he was not a part of the next series against South Africa and may be short on
rhythm to play international cricket.
Dravid said that it was a challenge to return to Test cricket after having
had the hiatus but expressed confidence for preparation before the series.
Dravid also added that this break was good for his own self and that he had
trained quite hard to get back to international cricket.
India plays three Test matches in Sri Lanka and the series will start
from the 18th of July.
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