'Pak doing homework to tackle Mendis'

Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam said spinner Ajantha Mendis was the biggest threat for them in the upcoming one-day series against Lanka and they were preparing well to tackle him

Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam on Saturday said spinner Ajantha Mendis was the biggest threat for them in the upcoming one-day series against Sri Lanka and they were preparing well to tackle him.

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Pointing out that Muttiah Muralitharan and Mendis were best spinners in the world, he said the Pakistan team knew Murlai's bowling style well, having played him a lot, but was working on ways to counter Mendis.

"We have been watching videos of both of them specially Mendis and we will be ready for him. We have collected information but that is not for public consumption.

"We have seen videos of all his (Mendis') recent matches and we will go out and be positive against him," he said.

Alam said that the team was using unorthodox methods to prepare for Mendis but said he could not disclose details.

Alam is impressed by Mendis, who he feels adds to the charm of the game which can be used in popularising Test cricket.

Alam said Mendis was not a conventional and orthodox spinner and that is why he had gained success in such a short period of time.

"In the past there have been some bowlers like him Sonny Ramadin of West Indies, Gleeson from Australia and they always were a mystery for the batsmen because of their unusual bowling grip and variations," he said.