“Came into that side only because Dhananjaya had Covid” – Kamindu Mendis on not playing a Test for 2 years after half-century on debut

Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis scored an impressive knock of 61 runs on his Test debut against Australia at the Galle International Stadium, Galle in 2022. Mendis had replaced current captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who was ruled out with Covid-19.

Despite making an impressive debut against the Australians at home, Mendis had to make way for Dhananjaya when he recovered from the virus. 

After not playing any Test cricket for two years, Mendis returned to Sri Lanka’s line-up in the opening Test match against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. The left-hander was dismissed after scoring only 12 runs in the first innings.

However, the southpaw proved his mettle in the second essay, scoring a brilliant knock of 113 runs off 183 balls to keep the visitors in the contest. The tourists were able to take a lead of 204 runs and Mendis played an instrumental role in helping Sri Lanka post a fighting score of 326 runs in the second dig.

Mendis said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, “I knew that the batting was packed, but what I tried to do was to do as best as I could in the chance that I had. I had to exit the team after that, but I don’t see that as a mistake.

“You have to take various decisions to balance a team, and I came into that side only because Dhananjaya had COVID. When he returned, I had to make way. That’s fair.”

Mendis revealed he had always dreamed of playing a test match at the iconic Lord’s. The left-hander’s dream will be fulfilled as the second Test will be played at the home of cricket.

“From when I was little, I had a dream to play a Test at Lord’s. 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,” the 25-year-old said.

Mendis has got off to an impressive start in his young Test career as he has amassed 553 runs in four Test matches at an average of 92.17.

The second Test match between England and Sri Lanka will be played at Lord’s, starting August 29.