Sri Lanka Falter at Lord's, England Dominate with Seam Attack

Sri Lanka Falter at Lord’s, England Dominate with Seam Attack

Sri Lanka’s Batting Woes Continue as England Dominate at Lord’s

On the second day of the second Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Sri Lanka’s batting woes continued as they fell well short of England’s imposing first innings total. The hosts, led by a commanding performance from their seam attack, set a daunting target of 427 for the visitors.

Sri Lanka’s response was lackluster, with only Kamindu Mendis providing any significant resistance. The left-handed batsman, who carried his strong form from the first Test, compiled a well-crafted 74, showcasing his ability to counter England’s attack. However, he lacked support from his teammates, with no other batsman surpassing 23 runs.

England’s seam attack shared the wickets evenly, highlighting their collective strength and depth. Matthew Potts, known for his accuracy and movement, proved economical, taking 2-19 in 11 overs. Chris Woakes, a seasoned campaigner, also claimed 2-21, utilizing his experience and variations to keep the Sri Lankan batsmen in check.

Despite the significant lead and ample time remaining in the day, England captain Ollie Pope, standing in for the injured Ben Stokes, chose not to enforce the follow-on. This decision suggests a strategic approach, potentially prioritizing player management and long-term goals over immediate gains.

Sri Lanka’s batting collapse has put them in a precarious position, with England firmly in control of the match. The visitors will need to produce a much-improved performance in their second innings if they hope to salvage a draw or even an unlikely victory.

Kamindu Mendis: Calm and Basics Fuel Remarkable Test Batting Average

Kamindu Mendis: Calm and Basics Fuel Remarkable Test Batting Average

Kamindu Mendis’ remarkable batting average of 92.16 in Test cricket, the second-highest among players with over 500 runs, is a testament to his unwavering focus on the fundamentals. The Sri Lankan batsman, who made his debut two years ago, credits his success to a simple mantra: “Do basic things, and try to keep calm.”

Despite making a promising debut with a half-century, Mendis had to wait for his next opportunity. However, he seized it with both hands, scoring twin centuries against Bangladesh earlier this year. “I knew the batting was packed, but I tried to do as best as I could in the chance that I had,” he said.

Mendis’ absence from the team during his two-year hiatus was not a setback but an opportunity for growth. “Even though I didn’t get to play, I was in the squad and travelling with the team, pretty much every tour,” he said. “Going on so many tours with experienced players on those tours also helped me play well in my first few innings.”

In the recent Test against England in Manchester, Mendis’ first-innings dismissal for 12 was followed by a second-innings century. He forged crucial partnerships with Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, who played through a finger injury. “I had a lot of support from the others when I went to bat, both Angie aiya and Chandi aiya,” he said. “Their experience really helped me.”

Mendis’ batting philosophy is simple: “I do basic things, and try to keep calm in the middle.” He dismisses questions about his impressive average, emphasizing his commitment to contributing to the team’s success. “That’s really my only goal: to give as much to my team as possible, whether on the batting front, bowling front, or via fielding.”

For Mendis, playing a Test at Lord’s is a dream come true. “From when I was little, I had a dream to play a Test at Lord’s,” he said. “It’s not just my dream, I think every player has that target. I’ve been able to get there. If we can win this match, it’ll be even more valuable to us.”

Ambidextrous Spinner Kamindu Mendis Raises Questions with Unique Bowling Style

Ambidextrous Spinner Kamindu Mendis Raises Questions with Unique Bowling Style

Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has become the talk of the cricketing world after his ambidextrous bowling display in the first T20I against India. The spinner left experts and fans alike in awe as he switched between bowling with his left and right arms during the same over.

Mendis’s unique ability has raised questions about the legality of such a bowling style. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, a bowler must inform the umpire of their intended bowling style (right-handed or left-handed) before the start of the over. Any change in bowling style during the over must also be communicated to the umpire.

In Mendis’s case, he informed the umpire of his intention to bowl left-handed against Suryakumar Yadav. However, when facing Rishabh Pant, he switched to bowling with his right arm without informing the umpire. This led to some confusion and debate about whether Mendis had violated the rules.

The ICC regulations state that a bowler who fails to notify the umpire of a change in bowling style will be called for a no-ball. However, it is unclear whether this rule applies to a bowler who switches between bowling with both hands during the same over.

The incident has sparked a discussion about the need for clearer regulations regarding ambidextrous bowling. Some experts believe that such a bowling style could give bowlers an unfair advantage, while others argue that it is a legitimate skill that should be allowed.

Meanwhile, in the match itself, India’s top-order batsmen put on a dominant display to post a commanding 213 for 7. Suryakumar Yadav, in his first match as permanent skipper of India’s T20 team, led the charge with a sparkling 58 off 26 balls. Young stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill also made significant contributions with 41 and 34 runs, respectively.

Rishabh Pant struggled initially but ended just one short of a half-century with some audacious shots. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting, with only Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana managing to pick up two wickets each.

Sri Lanka's Pace Dominance Faces Spin Challenge in Chattogram

Sri Lanka’s Pace Dominance Faces Spin Challenge in Chattogram

Sri Lanka’s pace attack has dominated the first Test against Bangladesh, taking all 20 wickets in Sylhet. This marks the first time since 1986 that a Sri Lankan pace attack has achieved this feat. The victory has boosted Sri Lanka’s confidence, but they face a different challenge in Chattogram, where the pitch is typically more favorable for batting and spinners.

Bangladesh will be buoyed by the return of Shakib Al Hasan, who is their most experienced bowler on the Chattogram deck. Shakib has claimed 64 wickets in 19 Tests at this venue, the most by any bowler. Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are also formidable spinners for Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka’s main spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya, has limited experience overseas, while Ramesh Mendis, who could be brought in as a second frontline spinner, has even less experience away from home.

Despite their impressive victory in Sylhet, Sri Lanka have never lost a Test in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh will be confident in Chattogram, especially with Shakib in their ranks.

Bangladesh Pacer's Botched Run-Out Attempt Goes Viral

Bangladesh Pacer’s Botched Run-Out Attempt Goes Viral

Bangladesh’s Khaled Ahmed’s botched attempt to run out Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis at the non-striker’s end has become a viral sensation on social media. The incident occurred on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test between the two teams in Sylhet on Sunday.

In the 63rd over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Ahmed attempted to catch Mendis off guard by attempting a run out at the non-striker’s end. However, his throw missed the stumps by a whisker, leaving Mendis unscathed.

The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, with many fans expressing amusement and disbelief at Ahmed’s failed attempt.

On Day 3, Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva became the third pair in Test history to score a century in both innings, as Sri Lanka set up a daunting 511-run target for Bangladesh.

The visitors were all out for 418 in their second innings at Sylhet, with Mendis making 164 runs to go with his 102 in the first innings and De Silva, who also scored 102 runs in the first innings, adding 108.

The Chappell brothers, Greg and Ian, of Australia achieved the feat against New Zealand in March 1974, before Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali emulated it against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014.

The pair, who shared 202 runs in Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 280 runs, put on 173 runs together this time — on their way to becoming the third and fourth Sri Lankans to score centuries in both innings against Bangladesh.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke their partnership, before finishing with 4-74 for Bangladesh.

Resuming on 119-5, the visitors lost nightwatchman Vishwa Fernando (four) early to Khaled Ahmed, before de Silva and Mendis took control.

De Silva brought his century into the game with a single off Mehidy, before he gave Bangladesh their first chance as Nahid Rana dropped him off Shoriful Islam on 101.

Mehidy ensured the drop did not hurt the team more, soon ending de Silva’s innings, with Zakir Hasan taking the catch at short midwicket.

Mendis put away a full toss of Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto to bring his own hundred off 171 balls just before the tea, when Prabath Jayasuriya was batting with him for 13.

Mehidy removed Prabath Jayasuriya, who made 25, and Lahiru Kumara off successive deliveries to give Bangladesh some relief.

Mehidy could have grabbed his fifth wicket if Liton Das did not drop Mendis on 133.

Mendis protected last man Kasun Rajitha to add 52 runs in the final wicket pair, piling misery on Bangladesh.

Mendis hit Taijul Islam for three sixes in an over to reach his 150 and help the lead exceed 500 runs. Taijul dismissed Mendis finally to wrap-up Sri Lanka’s innings.

Sri Lanka have never lost a Test series to Bangladesh.

The second and final match of the series will be played in Chittagong from March 30.

Bangladesh Collapse Leaves Sri Lanka on Cusp of Test Victory

Bangladesh Collapse Leaves Sri Lanka on Cusp of Test Victory

Bangladesh’s hopes of salvaging a draw in the second Test against Sri Lanka dwindled on day three in Sylhet as they collapsed to 43 for 5, needing an improbable 464 runs to win.

Sri Lanka’s lower middle order had earlier extended their dominance, with Kamindu Mendis scoring 164 and Dhananjaya de Silva completing his second century of the match. Their 173-run partnership transformed Sri Lanka’s position from a comfortable lead to an utterly dominant one.

Bangladesh’s quicks struggled to make an impact on a pitch that still rewarded high-quality seam bowling. Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha shared the wickets, but it was Vishwa who impressed with his movement through the air and late swing.

Bangladesh’s batting implosion began with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s reckless dismissal, throwing his bat at a wide delivery. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shahadat Hossain also fell cheaply to Vishwa’s accurate bowling.

Litton Das’s dismissal was the most frustrating for Bangladesh. After keeping wicket all day, he ran down the track and hoicked a delivery from Kumara straight to cover.

Sri Lanka’s quicks maintained their discipline, bowling testing lines and exploiting the pitch’s bounce and pace. Bangladesh’s spinners were unable to find purchase off the wicket, and the hosts’ batting lineup crumbled under the pressure.

With just five wickets remaining and two scheduled days of play left, Sri Lanka are on the brink of a comprehensive victory. Rain is forecast for Monday afternoon, but the weather in Sylhet is otherwise conducive for cricket.

Sri Lanka's Mendis and De Silva Rescue Team with Epic 200-Run Stand

Sri Lanka’s Mendis and De Silva Rescue Team with Epic 200-Run Stand

Sri Lanka’s Test newcomers Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva defied Bangladesh’s fast bowlers to forge a remarkable 200-run partnership, rescuing their team from a precarious position.

After losing five wickets for just 57 runs, Sri Lanka’s hopes seemed bleak. However, Mendis and de Silva stepped up to the plate, becoming only the second Sri Lanka pair to add a 200-run stand after losing five wickets for less than 60.

Mendis, playing in just his second Test, showed maturity beyond his years. Despite being dropped on the first ball of his innings, he counter-attacked with a flurry of drives and sixes. De Silva, on the other hand, played a more measured innings, using the fast bowlers’ pace and bounce to his advantage.

Together, they weathered the storm and gradually rebuilt Sri Lanka’s innings. Mendis reached his maiden Test century first, while de Silva followed suit in the same over. Their partnership not only stabilized Sri Lanka’s position but also put Bangladesh’s bowlers under immense pressure.

Mendis’s aggressive approach kept the scoreboard ticking over, while de Silva’s experience and composure provided the necessary stability. They both played with a positive mindset, taking advantage of any loose deliveries.

Mendis’s performance was particularly impressive, as he replaced Sadeera Samarawickrama in the Sri Lanka XI and may have earned a permanent spot in the team. His ability to handle pressure and score quickly under difficult circumstances has caught the attention of the selectors.

The 200-run partnership between Mendis and de Silva was a testament to their skill, determination, and resilience. It not only saved Sri Lanka from a potential collapse but also gave them a solid foundation to build on in the second innings.

Sri Lanka Recall Kumara, Include Mendis for Bangladesh ODIs

Sri Lanka Recall Kumara, Include Mendis for Bangladesh ODIs

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for their upcoming series against Bangladesh features the return of fast bowler Lahiru Kumara and the inclusion of batting allrounder Kamindu Mendis. The team aims to continue its rebuilding process after a disappointing World Cup performance.

Kumara, who has been in good form in domestic cricket, has been recalled to the ODI XI. He has taken nine wickets in his last four List A matches. Mendis, who impressed in the T20Is, has also earned a spot in the squad.

Opening batter Pathum Nissanka, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, and offspin-bowling allrounder Sahan Arachchige, who has been in good form with the bat domestically, are also included in the squad.

Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva remains omitted from the ODI squad, while Shevon Daniel, who was part of Sri Lanka’s last two ODI squads, has been left out in favor of Mendis.

Sri Lanka has a variety of seam options, including Kumara, Pramod Madushan, left-armer Dilshan Madushanka, and all-rounders Chamika Karunaratne and Janth Liyanage. However, they do not have the slingers Matheesha Pathirana or Nuwan Thushara, despite Thushara’s outstanding performance in the third T20I against Bangladesh.

On the spin front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are expected to be the main bowlers, but Akila Dananjaya and left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage are also in the mix.

Sri Lanka has won both their ODI series this year, at home against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. This is their first overseas series in 2024. The first of three ODIs will be played in Chattogram on Wednesday.

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