Kusal Mendis not out, but not in
Kusal Mendis not only has been a top target of the deadly South African pace attack, but also social media users - File pic
Out-of-form batsman Kusal Mendis, though included in the 22-man squad for the two-match Test series against England, is expected to sit on the bench with Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal who are returning to the side following hamstring and groin injuries.
Mendis who will turn 26 next month, had a series to forget in South Africa scoring just 12 runs off four innings including three successive ducks.
Since making his Test debut in 2015, Mendis was seen as the best batting prospect for Sri Lanka after the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. However, his recent form has been a cause of concern for the team management. Mendis will remain with the side for the series but will not make into the playing XI unless Mathews or Chandimal fail a fitness test.
Mathews, who has recovered from the hamstring injury sustained during the LPL, and Chandimal are expected to go through fitness tests shortly to decide their availability for the opening Test. Team sources are confident of both stalwarts returning for the opening game as Sri Lanka look to seek revenge from England for the 3-0 thrashing they suffered in 2018.
Joe Root’s side made a clean sweep of the three-match series played three years back as they neutralised Sri Lanka’s potent spin attack employing an aggressive game plan. It was only the third occasion Sri Lanka had lost all three Tests in a home series, after previous setbacks against Australia in 2004 and India in 2017.
When the first Test begins, many would think Sri Lanka has a slight advantage as the series is played on home conditions but given the fact how well the Englishmen played spin during their previous tour to the island, Sri Lanka might have to come up with fresh plans to counter the visitors’ game plan. They swept and reverse swept spinners effectively during the previous series, a tactic they could employ this time too.
“I think Sri Lanka were hit hard by the 3-0 defeat to England two years ago,” coach Mickey Arthur was quoted as saying to the Guardian.
“They didn’t expect it. But this time around we will certainly be prepared for any kind of repeat. We know we will have to box clever too.
“I am comfortable that our guys in those conditions are technically a lot more streetwise than they are against the fast bouncing ball. They grow a leg when they come back into their own conditions: they become taller, bigger, stronger. They know what to do.”
Sri Lanka will play to their strengths, going with a spin-heavy attack comprising Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya and Wanindu Hasaranga for the opening game.
With seamer Suranga Lakmal likely to miss the opening Test, Vishwa Fernando, who has had a successful stint in South Africa where he picked up his maiden five-wicket haul, will be the solitary seamer in the side. Part-timer Dasun Shanaka is likely to share the new ball with Fernando.
Lakmal injured his hamstring during the LPL. Even though he travelled to South Africa, he was declared not fit to play the two-match series which Sri Lanka conceded comprehensively 2-0. Sources said that he is expected to miss the opening game.
With Mathews and Chandimal back in the side, Sri Lanka will have a strong batting line up comprising skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera at the top of the order followed by Lahiru Thirimanne, Chandimal, Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella.
The second Test will also be played at the same venue starting January 22 with strict adherence to health guidelines.