Big news for Sri Lankan cricket fans! Team captain say Kamindu Mendis will move up to No.5 for the next two-Test series against New Zealand. This starts on September 18, 2024, in Galle. Many people have been waiting for this. Mendis’s batting skills and steady performance in local and global games are remarkable.
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Kamindu Mendis- Stellar First-Class and Test Record
Discovering Kamindu Mendis on the cricket field was a thrill in 2018. He stood out as a two-handed spinner. As time went by, Mendis became more than just a spinner. His outstanding record counts for something. As of September 17, 2024, he’s a leading figure on the home circuit, credited with 4,331 runs!
Kamindu Mendis average is an incredible 63.30. You’d think he only shines locally, right? Wrong. He’s a big deal internationally too. His test career is glittering. Six matches have seen him score 695 runs. That gives him an average of 77.22 per game. But, here’s the fun bit: he played five of six games away. He excelled overseas with centuries (102 and 164) in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Wings spread, he left his mark in England too- 113 at Old Trafford, 74 at Lord’s, 64 at The Oval.
But here’s the catch: Mendis bats at No.7. Many question this, considering his talents, is he being underused?
Shift in the Batting Order: Kamindu Mendis to Move to No.5
Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s lead coach, shared some news. “Kamindu Mendis is getting a boost in the lineup in the series against New Zealand. He’s moving to the No.5 slot. This prime spot could help him amp up the team’s game.”
Now, where does this leave Dinesh Chandimal? Well, he’s going up to No.3. Kusal Mendis? He’s had a tough 2024, so he’s dropping to No.7. But that’s not all. He’s also the wicketkeeper now. These lineup tweaks are there to even out the team’s game and let Kamindu Mendis step up and shine.
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Mendis’s Preferred Batting Positions in Domestic Cricket
Kamindu Mendis has often played at higher spots in domestic cricket. At Colombo Cricket Club, he’s a typical No.4 bat in the Sri Lanka Major League Tournament. For Dambulla District, where he’s the skipper, in the National Super League 4-Day Competition, he’s the No.3 bat.
In 2023, when Sri Lanka A played South Africa, Mendis batted fifth, a spot he knows well. His varied roles prove one clear point. He’s not playing in his best positions in Test matches so far. His move to No.5 for the next series with New Zealand aims to fully unlock his batting skills on an international stage.
The Performance of Dinesh Chandimal at No.3
Dinesh Chandimal’s shift to the No.3 spot isn’t permanent – it’s tactical. His past performances there aren’t great. From his eight innings there, he averaged a mere 19.62. It’s been since 2019 that he’s batted in this position.
In 2015, his shining moment was scoring a 162 not out against India while batting at No.6. It was an epic match held in Galle where the wicket was turning.
The team’s choice to put Chandimal at No.3, despite his shaky record, shows it’s likely a quick fix. In the team’s eyes, Sri Lanka might elevate Kamindu Mendis to the No.3 spot soon. Especially if Chandimal doesn’t up his game.
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The Future of Kamindu Mendis in Sri Lankan Cricket
As Sri Lanka readies itself for New Zealand’s visit for two Test matches in Galle, all eyes are on Kamindu Mendis. His rise to the No.5 spot comes at a crucial time. Sri Lanka is rallying from recent victories, including a standout Test triumph at The Oval. Mendis’ new spot gives him more power over the team’s batting, and everyone’s hopeful he’ll keep pulling off victories. Mendis’ promotion also shows a wider plan—to develop the skills of up-and-coming players.
This is especially crucial as Sri Lanka strives to refresh its Test team. Mendis, given his impressive history and flexibility, is well-suited to be a vital player for Sri Lanka in future years.
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Conclusion: A New Role for Kamindu Mendis
Sri Lanka is smartly moving Kamindu Mendis up to No.5 for the New Zealand series. This is good for Mendis and the team. Mendis has shown big score potential in local and global games. This higher batting position could let him show off his skills even more. Dinesh Chandimal might be only a temporary No.3, but as Mendis grows, he could end up higher in future games.
The New Zealand series is a big chance for Mendis to secure his spot in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup and be a top player in Sri Lankan cricket. Everybody will watch Mendis step into this exciting new stage of his career.
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