Kamindu Mendis Stuns Cricket World: Matches Bradman, Outpaces Gill, Root, and Williamson
Sri Lanka’s batting sensation Kamindu Mendis has etched his name in the record books by becoming the fastest Asian cricketer to score five Test centuries. In the ongoing second Test against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium, Mendis reached the milestone in just his 13th innings, equalling the legendary Don Bradman’s record.
Mendis, who made his Test debut against Australia in July 2022, has been on a record-breaking spree since his return to the national team in March this year. He scored back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh, followed by another hundred in the series against England. His latest century in the ongoing Test against New Zealand is his fifth in just 13 innings, making him the joint-third fastest batter to reach the feat alongside Bradman and George Headley.
Only Everton Weekes (10 innings), Herbert Sutcliffe (12 innings), and Robert Harvey (12 innings) have reached the milestone quicker than Mendis. The 25-year-old left-hander has also surpassed the previous Asian record held by Pakistan’s Fawad Alam, who scored his fifth century in 22 innings.
Mendis’ remarkable run has seen him score fifty or more in each of his first eight Test matches, a feat achieved by only a handful of cricketers in the history of the game. His consistent performances have propelled him to the top of the run-scoring charts this year, surpassing the likes of Shubman Gill, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root.
The Galle-born cricketer’s journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. He made his Test debut against Australia in July 2022 and scored a half-century in his first innings. Since then, he has been a revelation for Sri Lanka, scoring centuries in the series against Bangladesh and England.
Mendis’ ability to adapt to different batting positions has been a testament to his skill and versatility. He has batted at various positions, including No. 5, 7, and 8, showcasing his range and effectiveness. His unorthodox style of play has also caught the attention of fans and experts alike, with many drawing comparisons to the legendary Bradman.
As Mendis continues to shatter records and make headlines, the cricketing world is eagerly awaiting his next feat. With the first innings of the ongoing Test against New Zealand, he is on course to become the fastest Asian batter to reach 1000 runs in Test cricket. If he manages to score 178 runs in the first innings, he will break India’s Vinod Kambli’s record, who crossed the 1000-run mark in his 14th Test inning.
Mendis’ rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric, and his performances have not gone unnoticed. He currently possesses the third-highest First Class average among active cricketers who have amassed at least 2000 runs in the format. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him an indispensable part of the Sri Lankan team.
As the cricketing world celebrates Mendis’ latest achievement, fans and experts alike are eager to see what the future holds for this young prodigy. With his talent, determination, and work ethic, it is clear that Mendis is destined for greatness, and his journey to the top has only just begun.
