Michael Vaughan, Adam Gilchrist clash over Kamindu Mendis; Aussie great calls for change in rules

Former England captain Michael Vaughan and former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist have different opinions on Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis, especially about his finger spin. While Vaughan said that Kamindu doesn’t have any special specialties, Gilchrist spoke highly of the Sri Lankan talent.

Kamindu Mendis emerged as the lone warrior for the tourists in Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against England at Lord’s. Mendis played a very important knock of 74 runs to help Sri Lanka post 251 runs on the board in their first innings against England at Lord’s.

Kamindu Mendis looks like a real player: Adam Gilchrist

Despite Kamindu Mendis's valiant effort, Sri Lanka struggled throughout the day, with Mendis being the only player to significantly contribute to their total after England bowled out for 427 in the first innings in the ongoing second Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The all-rounder also hammered a century in the first Test, but Sri Lanka suffered a five-wicket defeat in Manchester, conceding a 0-1 lead to England in the ongoing three-match Test series. Kamindu Mendis is a slow left-arm orthodox and right-arm off-break bowler, but he didn’t get many overs to bowl so far in the Test series in England.

The Australian great Adam Gilchrist said that he didn’t watch Kamindu Mendis’ century against England but predicted that the Sri Lanka star will have a great career in Test cricket. Adam Gilchrist said on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast: “I did watch it; I saw Kamindu getting his 100. He looks like a real player. And as you say, he's laid a foundation for a very good Test career.”

Bowling finger spin with both arms is very common these days: Michael Vaughan

Kamindu Mendis bowls finger spin with both arms and this unique ability, featuring slow left-arm orthodox and right-arm off-spin, has set him apart in cricket. However, Michael Vaughan noted that such dual-arm bowlers are becoming increasingly common, and it is now more frequently seen among young cricketers, highlighting a growing trend of versatile bowling talents in the game.

Michael Vaughan said on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast: “It's becoming a bit common that though now, isn't it? I've seen too many of these kids that can do both.” Bowling with both arms presents unique challenges and rules. When a bowler switches between right-arm and left-arm deliveries, they must inform the umpire before making the switch.

And the former England captain Michael Vaughan said that this regulation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the game, ensuring that both the bowler and batter are aware of the changes during an over. Michael Vaughan added, “You have to tell the umpire, and then the batter gets told. That's a rule that I knew.”

On the other hand, the legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist highlighted the growing debate about whether the rules for switching bowling arms should be relaxed. Some argue that, given modern batting techniques like switch-hitting and reverse sweeps, bowlers should also have more flexibility in changing their bowling arms during play.

Adam Gilchrist calls for change in the rules for switching arms

Currently, bowlers must inform the umpire before switching arms, ensuring the batter is aware of the change. However, with the increasing skill and innovation among bowlers, Adam Gilchrist feels the bowlers deserve flexibility.

Adam Gilchrist said that the bowlers should be allowed to switch arms without prior notice to the umpire and batter, and they would be automatically prepared for the game plan and the match-up would be enthralling to watch out.

Adam Gilchrist said on the podcast, “That's a rule that I knew. But I did see some discussion recently. Well, not recently, maybe in the last couple of years, where perhaps that should be relaxed given that a batter can switch hit or reverse sweep. So, they face up as a right-hander and then effectively turn into a left-hander."

"So, as you say, Vaughan, there's more and more skilled bowlers out there trying this. Maybe that should be freed up so they can just run in, and it's anyone's guess. And the captain's got to hope or the batter's got to hope that they know what they're doing against whatever's coming, their match plan," Adam Gilchrist added.

They may be struggling in the series but Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 have found a gem 💎 in Kamindu Mendis, both with the bat and ball!

How good 🔥 do you think he will be?#ClubPrairieFire pic.twitter.com/11knSPCHtJ

— Club Prairie Fire (@clubprairiefire) September 1, 2024