Dissanayake paved way for Ajantha Mendis' entry to big-time cricket

by Dilwin MENDIS - Moratuwa Sports Corr.

CRICKET: In Moratuwa there is a very happy person. He is prasanna Dissanayake - the present cricket coach and former captain of Moratu Vidyalaya. Dissanayake is happy because his pupil at a certain time Ajantha Mendis - has somewhat set a record by capturing six wickets for 16 runs in the Twenty20 cricket series game against Australia the other day at Pallekelle Stadium.

Dissanayake along with Ajith Feranando spoke to Principal Meryn Ruberu and Ajantha Mendis was admitted to Moratu Vidyalaya. Prasanna Dissanayake was happy that Ajantha Mendis has been recalled to the Sri Lanka team after a somewhat shock exit from the team.

Ajantha Mendis who participated at a coaching at St. Anthony's School, Kandalana along with some others caught the eye of coach Prasanna Dissanayake and from the under 13 days and he really became interested in the game and picked up the finer points from coach Dissanayake. Ajantha Mendis tried to bowl fast and it was coach Prasanna Dissanayake who advised him to bowl spin and it has paid rich dividends.

Ajantha Mendis represented the school in all age groups and he captained the under 17 team and was vice-captain in his last year in the first eleven team that had Randeev Fonseka as captain. Soon after leaving Moratu Vidyalaya, Ajantha Mendis joined Old Moratu Vidyalians Sports Club and played in all grades of cricket and he was successful in getting listed with the Sri Lanka Army.

Being the well behaved boy, Ajantha Mendis did improve his cricket playing in good company in the Army and his dedication to the game has brought him rich dividends.

That eventful day at Pallekelle Stadium, his figures of 6 for 16 eclipsed somewhat the world record of T20 cricket held by Umar Gul of Pakistan - 5 for 6 against New Zealand at The Oval in 2009. The other leading wicket-takers are: T.G. Sonthee 5 for 18, R. McLaran 5 for 19 and N.N. Odhambo 5 for 20.