The Sri Lankan team has revealed their playing lineup for the first Test matchup with New Zealand, which takes place in Galle on September 18. Kamindu Mendis has been elevated to the fifth spot in the batting order following a stellar batting performance in England. After being dropped to number seven, Kusal Mendis, a former number three batsman for Sri Lanka in Test cricket, is expected to be employed as an aggressive lower-order batsman.
With an average of 77.22, young Kamindu has amassed 695 runs at bat in six Test matches. During the three-game series against England, the twenty-five-year-old scored 267 runs in five games, including a century in the first Test held in Manchester. Interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya stated following his half-century in the third game that the team management was thinking on sending him up in the order, and the New Zealand series marks the beginning of the same.
However, Mendis has never batted lower than number five in a Test match. One thing that the cricket player needs to be aware of is that playing with the tailenders calls for unique tactics. Being able to play at home in his new position is advantageous for him, but it will be challenging.
The Middle Order of Sri Lanka
Dinesh Chandimal has moved up to number three in the meantime. After he scored two half-centuries in the series against England, the team management believes he is ready to take on greater responsibility. After Kamindu, veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been elevated to the number four spot. Sixth man to bat will be captain Dhananjaya de Silva.
Also Read: Captain Tim Southee, is happy with New Zealand’s balance in the Sri Lankan match
For the Galle match, the bowling attack will consist of Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Ramesh Mendis. After being benched during the third Test match between England and Sri Lanka at The Kennington Oval, Jayasuriya returned to the playing eleven and will be supported by Ramesh Mendis, who last played a Test match against Pakistan in 2023.
📣 Sri Lanka announced playing XI for the first Test vs New Zealand. #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/MC4KPZDl8b
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 17, 2024
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs New Zealand for first Test at Galle:
Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.
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