Jayawardene plays down Mendis hype in Pakistan series

Sri Lankan spin sensation Ajantha Mendis

Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene Sunday refused to single out spin sensation Ajantha Mendis as the major threat for Pakistan in the one-day series.

The 23-year-old Mendis and his more illustrious partner Muttiah Muralitharan are tipped to hold the aces against the home team in the three-match series which starts here from Tuesday.

But Jayawardene said Mendis doesn't carry extra burden of expectations.

"Mendis hasn't had added pressure and has gone through all the batting line-ups he has come across and is enjoying his challenges," Jayawardene said of his spinner during his arrival press conference.

"Pressure does not effect Mendis. He is a very simple guy he doesn't have to go through such interviews because his knowledge of the English is not that great so he is resting in his room watching movies," said Jayawardene.

Mendis, who made his debut in the West Indies in May last year, became the fastest bowler to get 50 wickets, achieving the total in 19 matches, breaking Indian Ajit Agarkar's record of 23 matches.

Jayawardene said he would not like to put extra pressure on the newcomer.

"He knows what his role is, at the same time there are some really good guys around him giving him advice, especially Murali who is a brilliant role model for Ajantha.

"Murali is somebody who has worked 18 years and come through very well. As long as Ajantha realises that if he can go at the same path as Murali I'm sure we will have a big match winner for us in the next ten years."

Jayawardene refused to agree Sri Lanka are struggling with their overall form after losing to Bangladesh in the last league match and scrapping to a narrow two-wicket win in the final of the tri-series in Dhaka last week.

"I think we've been still winning matches, we haven't lost any, so we just need to continue to do that. I don't think I've seen a team being 5-6 and winning a match," said Jayawardene of his team's slump in the final on Friday.

"That's something special whether it's against Bangladesh or whoever. That shows character to me I think. I'm very proud of the guys, the way we have been playing."

Chasing a modest 153, Sri Lanka lost their first five wickets for a mere six runs -- the lowest total at the fall of five wickets in any one-day international -- before Muralitharan's 16-ball 33 saw them home.

Jayawardene admitted Pakistan are a dangerous team.

"Pakistan is always Pakistan for me. They are a very tough side whether they play regularly or not, so we will have to put up the best effort," said Jayawardene.

The second match is here on Wednesday, while the final match is in Lahore on Saturday.