Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has emerged as a formidable force in Test cricket, surpassing the 1,000-run milestone in just 13 innings. His exceptional batting performance has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s recent whitewash of New Zealand.
In the second Test in Galle, Mendis showcased his brilliance with an unbeaten 182, guiding Sri Lanka to a massive 602/5. His innings was adorned with 16 fours and four towering sixes, propelling his team to an innings and 154-run victory.
Mendis’s success stems from a positive mindset and technical adjustments. “I’m enjoying scoring runs, especially since Galle is my hometown,” he said. “I think I did well, and credit goes to Kusal and Chandimal as well. I think I had the same mindset and some small changes to the way I batted in England; I made some tweaks while playing spin.”
Mendis’s achievement is remarkable, as he became the first player to score fifty or more in eight consecutive Test matches since making his debut. He also joined the legendary Don Bradman as the third-fastest player to reach 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings.
Overall, Mendis has amassed 1,004 Test runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 91.27. His contributions have been pivotal in Sri Lanka’s recent resurgence in Test cricket.
As Sri Lanka prepares for upcoming white-ball tours, Mendis is eager to continue his impressive form. “It is a great pleasure to score 1000 runs so quickly, but we have to improve day by day,” he said. “There are upcoming tours, ODIs, and T20s as well. I want to keep doing well.”
Mendis’s exceptional batting skills and unwavering determination make him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team. His ability to adapt and excel in different conditions bodes well for Sri Lanka’s future in international cricket.
