Sri Lanka is finally ready to promote Kamindu Mendis from the No.7 position, starting with the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Kamindu first gained attention in 2018 as a unique ambidextrous spinner, but he has also been building a strong reputation as a batter in first-class cricket. Over the years, he developed a new identity as a batter who can bowl when needed. By September 17, 2024, no other active batter has more first-class runs with a better average than his 4,331 runs at 63.30.
His Test stats are even more remarkable. In six matches, he has scored 695 runs with an average of 77.22. Five of these matches were played abroad – two in Bangladesh and three in England. He scored 102 and 164 in Sylhet, followed by an unbeaten 92 in Chattogram, then 113 at Old Trafford, 74 at Lord’s, and 64 at The Oval.
Interestingly, except for his debut match against Afghanistan at home, he has never batted in the top six. Instead, he usually bats at No.7, which has raised some questions – especially since Kusal Mendis, who currently bats at No.3, has an average of just 22.33 in nine innings this year.
Where Does Kamindu Bat Outside International Cricket?
In domestic cricket, Kamindu bats at No.4 for Colombo Cricket Club in the Sri Lanka Major League Tournament. He also bats at No.3 for Dambulla District in the National Super League 4-Day Competition, where he serves as captain. When South Africa visited Sri Lanka in 2023, he batted at No.5 for Sri Lanka A. Clearly, he has been batting below his preferred positions in Test matches, but this is about to change.
For the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, Sri Lanka’s head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has confirmed that Kamindu will move up to No.5. Dinesh Chandimal will shift to No.3, while Kusal Mendis will bat at No.7 and keep wicket. Jayasuriya has also revealed the team’s starting XI.
Will Kamindu Eventually Bat at No.3?
Dinesh Chandimal’s record at No.3 is not impressive, with an average of just 19.62 in eight innings. However, he hasn’t batted at that position since 2019. His most famous knock, an unbeaten 162 on a turning pitch against India at Galle in 2015, came when he batted at No.6. While it’s unclear what the future holds, this could be a temporary arrangement before Kamindu is promoted to No.3.
Fresh off a Test win at The Oval, Sri Lanka will play New Zealand in two Test matches at Galle, starting on September 18 and September 26.
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