Cricket: Spinner Ajantha Mendis announces retirement

Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, according to reports. 

Mendis, known as the 'mystery spinner', played 19 Tests, 87 ODIs and 39 T20Is by the time he announced his retirement.

Mendis made his international debut against West Indies in an ODI in April 2008, and in July the same year, he made his Test debut against India and picked 26 wickets in three games, which is a world record.

In his Test debut, Mendis captured eight wickets. 

His notable performance came during the Asia Cup 2008, where he picked six wickets, helping Sri Lanka record a 100-run win and the title.

Mendis reached 50 ODI wickets in just 19 games, which is a record in cricket.

His last appearance for Sri Lanka was in December 2015 and ends with a tally of 288 international wickets -- 70 in Tests, 152 in ODIs and 66 Twenty20 scalps. 

He last played for Sri Lanka in December 2015, in an ODI against New Zealand at Christchurch.

Mendis, 34, a soldier, turned out for Sri Lanka Army but in the recent years captained Sri Lanka Police in the Tier 'B' segment, notably as a top order batsman.