I'm enjoying scoring runs, says Sri Lankan batter Kamindu Mendis
Sri Lankan cricketer Kamindu Mendis recently matched the legendary Don Bradman's record, becoming the third-fastest player to score 1,000 runs in Test cricket. The 25-year-old achieved this milestone in just 13 innings during the second Test against New Zealand in Galle. Mendis, who smashed an unbeaten 182 in Sri Lanka's score of 602/5d, was ajudged the Man of the Match award as the hosts won by an innings and 154 runs to pocket the series 2-0. Here's more.
Mendis is happy after contributing with quality runs
Mendis reached the 1,000-run landmark on Day 2 of the second Test. His performance has drawn comparisons to Bradman and highlighted his rapid rise in Test cricket. "I'm enjoying scoring runs, especially since Galle is my hometown. I think I did well and credit goes to Kusal and Chandimal as well. I think I had the same mindset and some small changes to the way I batted in England, made some tweaks while playing spin," said Mendis after the match.
'It's a great pleasure to score 1000 runs so quickly'
"It is a great pleasure to score 1000 runs so quickly, but we have to improve day by day. There are upcoming tours and ODIs and T20s as well, want to keep doing well," he added.
Mendis's journey to 1,000 Test runs
Mendis kicked off his journey to 1,000 Test runs with a solid 61 on his debut against Australia two years ago. Fast forward two years, and he took his chance against Bangladesh, smashing twin centuries in Sylhet earlier this year. His toughest innings was against England in Manchester, where he scored 113, and he followed it up with a commendable 74 at Lord's. And now versus New Zealand, he smashed his career-best score.
Mendis is enjoying a solid 2024
Mendis owns the second-most runs in 2024 (Tests). He has clocked 943 runs at 94.30. As per ESPNcricinfo, England's Joe Root is ahead. Root has amassed 986 runs at 54.77. Mendis has played 7 matches (12 innings) compared to Root's 11 matches and 20 innings. Mendis owns the most centuries in 2024 (5). He also has three fifties under his belt. Mendis and Root are the only players with 900-plus runs in 2024.
Records made by Mendis in Galle
Mendis became the fastest Sri Lankan batter to complete 1,000 Test runs. Mendis owns 1,004 runs at an average of 91.27 (100s: 5, 50s: 4). Overall, England's Herbert Sutcliffe and West Indies' Everton Weekes (12 innings each) hold the record for fastest to 1,000 runs. Mendis equalled Bradman, who also took 13 innings for the milestone of 1,000 runs. Mendis, who scored 114 and 13 in the first clash versus NZ, became the fastest Asian batter to five Test hundreds.
