Muttiah Muralitharan believes the emergence of young spinner Ajantha Mendis will help prolong his own career.

Muralitharan, 36, and 23-year-old Mendis formed a formidable partnership in the first Test thrashing of India, taking 19 of the 20 wickets between them.

"He's one of the most talented guys I've seen," said Muralitharan, the world's leading Test wicket taker. "He's our future.

"When I started, way back in 1992, I could bowl only off-spin. Although I was a bigger turner, he has more variation.

"I want to play until the World Cup (in 2011). Now that Ajantha has come, I can play for a few more years. It's not a joke, I'm serious. Because of his presence my bowling will be reduced. Bowling 50 overs every innings is a huge task.

"If I bowl 30 to 35 overs I will be happy as I am ageing. The job will be easier for me."

Muralitharan feels Sri Lanka's potent three-pronged attack of him, Mendis and fast bowler Chaminda Vaas strike fear into their opponents.

"Vaasy is a class act, a wonderful bowler," he added. "He keeps the pressure from one end and takes wickets as well. Both of us have taken more than 1,000 Test wickets and quite a few in ODIs.

"Now that Ajantha is there too, we will be a handful."