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With 26 Indian scalps in the summer series, Sri Lanka's whizz-kid spin bowler Ajantha Mendis not only snatched the world record for most wickets in a three-Test match debut, but also grabbed the ICC gong for best emerging cricketer.
The ball's rolling
I was fortunate to land an ODI debut against the West Indies back in April and a Test match debut against India in July. It was beyond all imagination that I would get in the team, let alone do so well and end up getting best emerging player this year.
Beat at their own game
Starting off Test match cricket against India was the ultimate challenge. All the history that surrounds them, especially with regard to their dominance in spin bowling – it gives you a great confidence boost when your side actually goes on and beats them with a spin variation of your own.
Sorry Sachin
The wicket that holds most relevance in my career so far is Sachin Tendulkar's. Having not got it in the first two matches, I began to think I'd never get it, and then in the second innings of the third match, he was gone. Not only that, it helped me towards my world record of most wickets in a three-day Test debut, and kept Sachin from toppling the record for most runs in Test match cricket.
What next?
I'm eager to continue this form. People ask if it's nature or nurture? It's natural, but I still have to work hard to hone techniques and correct faults in my delivery. As for new bowling tricks? First I'll perfect what I've got, then when the batsmen start doing well, I'll have to see what else I've got to give.
Master Murali
I owe a lot to Muttiah Muralitharan, he's the reason I've got so many wickets recently. He's taught me the importance of forward planning with my bowling, and has passed down the strengths and weaknesses of all the batsmen I'm likely to come up against. He's taught me a lot about putting pressure on the batsman too.
Doing it abroad
Because, as yet, I haven't had a Test match outside of Colombo people may question whether I can do it away from home. Of course different playing conditions will pose new challenges, but as far as accuracy and technique goes, I can't see too much changing.
Name: Ajantha Mendis
Age: 23
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Claim to fame: The man with an endless inventory of unplayable custom spin bowls
Lives in: Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Other job: Army gunner
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