Kamindu Mendis scripts history with seventh 50-plus Test score: Details
What's the story
Sri Lanka made a remarkable comeback on the second day of the third Test against England at Kennington Oval. After restricting England to 325, Sri Lanka experienced a batting collapse, sliding from 70/1 to 93/5. However, Dhananjaya de Silva (64*) and Kamindu Mendis (54*) steadied the ship with an unbeaten partnership of 118 runs. During the course, the latter scripted a massive milestone.
Batting revival
De Silva, Mendis revive Sri Lanka's innings
Despite an early batting collapse, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis revived Sri Lanka's innings with a solid partnership. They capitalized on the final session when England was forced to bowl spin due to fading light. Both players are skilled at playing spin, which allowed them to score runs smoothly even as the ball gripped and bounced steeply from easier lines.
Record
Kamindu joins this elite club
As per Cricbuzz, Kamindu now has the joint-second-most 50-plus scores after the first six Tests. He shares the record with New Zealand's Bert Sutcliffe, England's Harry Brook, and Pakistan's Saud Shakeel. Only Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar (9) is ahead in this regard. Meanwhile, Kamindu's current tally includes three tons and four fifties.
Stats
Mendis averages 80-plus in Tests
Playing his sixth Test, Mendis has raced to 685 runs at a splendid average of 85.62. 12, 113, 74, and 3 read his previous scores in this seris. In five innings versus England, he has 257 runs at 64.25, as per ESPNcricinfo. Overall in First-Class cricket, the 25-year-old all-rounder has 16 tons and 23 fifties.
Bowling prowess
Sri Lanka's bowlers restrict England to 325
Earlier on Day 2, Sri Lanka staged a remarkable comeback after a disappointing first day. The visitors bounced back to bowl out England for 325. England had resumed at an overnight score of 221/3. The hosts experienced a significant batting collapse, losing six wickets for just 35 runs. Skipper Ollie Pope (154) was England's stand-out performer. Milan Rathnayake (3/56) was the pick of the SL bowlers.