Kamindu Mendis: Sri Lanka’s cricket sensation Kamindu Mendis has etched his name in the history books, equalling the legendary Sir Don Bradman’s record by scoring 1000 Test runs in just 13 innings.
The 25-year-old, who is already known for his unique ambidextrous bowling, is now making waves with his Bradman-like batting, achieving milestones that few cricketers have ever dreamed of. Mendis’ unbeaten 182* in the second Test against New Zealand in Galle propelled him into the elite club of cricketers, becoming the fastest Sri Lankan and the third fastest overall to reach the 1000-run mark.
Let’s have a look into more details: Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu’s Dream Run in Test Cricket
Kamindu Mendis’ rise to stardom in Test cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. Since making his return to the Sri Lankan Test team earlier this year, Mendis has been on a record breaking spree. In just 8 Test matches, he has scored five centuries, including twin tons in Bangladesh and a string of impressive performances in England. His consistency has been remarkable, having notched up at least a fifty in every Test match he has played so far.
During his latest marathon knock of 182* against New Zealand, Mendis crossed the 1000 run mark, matching Sir Don Bradman’s record of reaching the milestone in 13 innings. Only Herbert Sutcliffe and Everton Weekes have done it faster, both achieving the feat in 12 innings. Mendis also shattered the previous record for the fastest Asian cricketer to reach 1000 Test runs, beating Vinod Kambli, who took 14 innings.
Fastest to 1000 Test Runs: Kamindu Joins the Elite Club
Kamindu’s achievement places him among the greatest names in Test cricket history. Here’s a look at the fastest players to reach 1000 runs in Test cricket:
| Player | Innings | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Herbert Sutcliffe (ENG) | 12 | 1925 |
| Everton Weekes (WI) | 12 | 1949 |
| Don Bradman (AUS) | 13 | 1930 |
| Kamindu Mendis (SL) | 13 | 2024 |
| Neil Harvey (AUS) | 14 | 1950 |
| Vinod Kambli (IND) | 14 | 1994 |
A Batting Record Like No Other
What makes Kamindu’s achievement even more impressive is his consistency. Since his comeback to Test cricket, he has been Sri Lanka’s most dependable batter. He became the first player in the history of Test cricket to score at least fifty in his first eight matches. During the recent Test series in England, he was Sri Lanka’s top scorer, amassing 267 runs at an average of 53.40, further establishing his dominance in red ball cricket.
With an astonishing Test average of 91.27, Kamindu Mendis now has the second-best average among all cricketers with a minimum of 1000 Test runs, only behind the great Don Bradman’s legendary 99.94. His hunger for big scores has been evident, and his fifth Test century in the Galle Test not only secured Sri Lanka’s dominant position but also announced Mendis as the next big thing in world cricket.
Mendis Milestone Knock: 182 vs New Zealand*
On Day 2 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Kamindu Mendis played the defining innings of his career so far. His unbeaten 182* was a masterclass in patience, technique, and shot selection. His knock helped Sri Lanka post a mammoth total of 602 for 5 before they declared. Mendis’ contribution, along with centuries from Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis, set up a commanding platform for Sri Lanka to dominate the Test.
Although Mendis was slightly disappointed not to get a double century, his incredible form and record breaking achievements overshadowed the declaration. The Sri Lankan fans, along with cricket legends like Kumar Sangakkara, have been in awe of Kamindu’s remarkable journey so far.
Kamindu Mendis’ record-breaking form has raised hopes of a bright future for Sri Lankan cricket. With his ability to perform consistently across different conditions and against quality bowling attacks, Mendis is emerging as a pivotal player in Sri Lanka’s red-ball resurgence.
As Sri Lanka continues their quest for Test dominance, Kamindu’s batting and leadership will be crucial. His versatility as a bowler, combined with his ability to build massive innings, makes him a complete package for Sri Lanka. If Mendis continues on this path, there’s no telling how many more records he will shatter as his career progresses.
Read more: Rubina Francis – Paris Paralympics 2024: India’s First Paralympic Pistol Shooter to Win Bronze at Paris 2024
FAQs
What is Kamindu Mendis’ batting average in Test cricket?
As of his 182* against New Zealand, Kamindu Mendis has an impressive Test average of 91.27
