espnstar.com’s Rajarshi Gupta caught up with former Sri Lankan skipper and batting legend Duleep Mendis.

The Lankans created history last week when they won their first ever Test series against Pakistan at home and the protagonist was, surprisingly, not that wily, old fox, Muttiah Muralitharan.

The Emerald Islanders, who have been such a force to reckon with at home, never seemed to get the grip against Pakistan in the longer version. But led by a new and ambitious skipper in Kumar Sangakkara, the side heralded a new hero, Rangana Herath, who mesmerised the Pakistanis with his left-arm spin.

The Younus Khan led team were at the receiving end of some master class from the Lankan bowlers and given that Murali had to sit out with an injury, it was a phenomenal achievement.

However, Mendis opined the master was still missed, no matter how historic the win may have been.

“Murali is a special bowler. No one can replace him in the attack because he is in a league of his own.”

Mendis, though, was quick to add that it was pleasing to see Herath bowl the way he did and “hopefully” he will be around for a while.

“Look, I am glad with the way Herath bowled. It is never easy for a man making a comeback to play such a crucial role in an important series but it still to early to say that he is the one to replace Murali once he calls it a day.”

Mendis, who led Sri Lanka to their first Test victory was ecstatic with the “team effort” that rattled the visiting Pakistanis.

“The team played really well and the bowlers were brilliant. I am very happy for these guys.”

Finally, talk veered on Chaminda Vaas’ impeding retirement from Test cricket at the end of the ongoing third and final match and the normally stoic personality seemed to wilt.

“Vaas has been a tremendous servant for Sri Lankan cricket and he will be missed.”

For now though, the team could not have given Vaas a better parting gift. The legend, as many reckon, will stay on.