Chandimal and Kamindu take Sri Lanka into the lead
Dinesh Chandimal made a superb unbeaten knock of 118 while debutant Kamindu Mendis hit his first-innings half-century (61) for the record fifth-wicket stand of 133 as Sri Lanka made 431 for 6 wickets after the third day’s play of the second Test match against Australia played at Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.
Chandimal, a former captain, played a remarkable innings to complete his 13th Test century while 23-year-old Kamindu Mendis who is playing his first game on his home ground, made played a brilliant supporting role to set up a new 5th wicket stand against Australia while the previous record is held by T.M. Dilshan and Angelo Mathews in 2011.
The third day saw Sri Lanka resuming at an overnight score of 184/2 while Kusal Mendis, added only 1 run to his overnight score of 84 as he was dismissed by experienced spinner Nathan Lyon early in the session.
Two experienced batters Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal added 83 runs for a third-wicket partnership while Mathews was out 52 in 117 balls with four fours.
Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, the former Richmond skipper maintained total control of the game to build up the innings as the stylish batsmen played textbook shots all around the ground. Chandimal was very confident to use his strikes while young Kamindu Mendis played his normal game to rotate the strike.
“Australia bowlers bowled well but I was very keen to play with my senior partner Chandimal and his advice was very helpful to build up my innings”, said Kamindu Mendis after the game.
“I am very happy with my debut half-century while Chandimal Ayya gave good tips to build up my innings and rotate our strike added Kamindu Mendis. I was in excellent form and managed to get my opportunity to play good innings. The wicket is very good for the batters while I had a little bit of pressure when I came to the middle first. However Chandimal, the former skipper gave me some good advice. I used my strokes while there was no need to play many sweep shots over the spinners. The bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Pat Cummins are very experienced and world-class bowlers but I was very keen to play well on my home ground at Galle as a debutant”, said Kamindu Mendis.
Niroshan Dickwella the wicketkeeper batter came to the middle after the dismissal of Kamindu Mendis but Dickwella played a shot over the slower length ball of Nathan Lyon as skipper Pat Cummins took the simple catch at mid-on.
Two spinners Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson, and paceman Mitchell Starc shared two wickets each while Sri Lanka is leading by 67 runs with four wickets in hand.