New Delhi: Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis became a hero for his side on the fourth day of the first Test match against England in Old Trafford, Manchester after smashing a blistering century. Mendis, who came at number seven position, acted as a saviour for his team with 183-ball 113-run knock helping them come out of trouble.
The 25-year-old player laid the foundation and made his presence feel in the game after striking 15 boundaries and a six in his star-studded knock. After pulling out Sri Lanka out of danger in their second innings, Mendis joined an elite list of cricket stars featuring legendary Kapil Dev, Ravindra Jadeja and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
Mendis joins elite cricketers
Mendis, who had an impressive strike rate of almost 62 in his innings, became the seventh Asian player to score a hundred while batting at number seven or below on the English soil. This was the batters third Test hundred. Kapil Dev leads the list followed by another Indian sensational Sandeep Patil. Spin legend Anil Kumble is on the third spot while former bowler Ajit Agarkar is placed fourth. Jadeja and Pant are placed fifth and sixth.
Meanwhile, Mendis walked out to bat after the 26th over when Sri Lanka were tumbling at 95 for four. He played a sensational knock under pressure to help out his team and mange a total of 326 runs, with a considerable lead. Apart from him, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal also made good contribution of 65 and 79 runs respectively helping the visitors in the cause. The young all-rounder has played significant role in the past as well for the Lankans who are slowly getting back into the form after a lean patch on the field.
After pulling out Sri Lanka out of danger in their second innings, Kamindu Mendis joined an elite list of cricket stars featuring legendary Kapil Dev, Ravindra Jadeja and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
