His exploits with the ball has earned him not only accolades but also a promotion in the Sri Lankan Army.

Ajantha Mendis, the new spin star on the cricketing horizon, has been promoted as Second Lieutenant by the Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.

The decision was taken even before the arrival of the victorious Sri Lankan cricket team from Karachi on Wednesday.

Mendis ripped apart Indian batting line up in the Asia Cup final with his six-wicket haul to help Sri Lanka lift the Trophy and was duly rewarded for his stupendous show.

Mendis, who was a gunner in the Sri Lanka Army's artillery unit and the only serviceman in the national cricket team, has earned the sobriquet 'Mystery Man' for the incredible variety of deliveries he bowls.

The 23 year old Mendis is a product of the Sri Lanka Cricket Academy and plays for 'Army' in the domestic matches.

Indian spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi had recently described Mendis as a 'meritorious' bowler from the sub-continent with a 'clean action'.

Sri Lanka Cricket Academy coach Jerome Jayaratne said the young spinner first caught their attention for his 'unusual and freaky' action.