Kamindu Mendis Hits Fourth Test Century in Galle

Kamindu Mendis continued his impressive start to Test cricket scoring his fourth century on day one of the first Test against New Zealand in Galle. The 25-year-old left-hander, who had already made a mark in the recent series against England with a century and two fifties led Sri Lanka to 302-7 by smashing a remarkable 114 off 171 balls. This innings brought his tally to four centuries in just seven Tests with eight scores of 50 or more in his 11 innings.

As a result, his batting average rose to an outstanding 80.90. Among players with at least 10 innings only Sir Don Bradman with his legendary average of 99.94 boasts a better mark. If Kamindu scores 50 or more in the second innings, he will join Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar tying the record of nine 50+ scores in the first seven Tests. Only three players, Sir Don Bradman, George Headley and Everton Weekes have reached five centuries in their first seven Tests.

Kamindu’s rise mirrors the early success of England’s Harry Brook, who hit four centuries in his first six Tests after debuting in 2022. Promoted to bat at number five, Kamindu stepped in when Sri Lanka struggled at 69-2 after Angelo Mathews retired hurt. Despite Sri Lanka slipping to 106-4, Kamindu stabilized the innings. He formed key partnerships adding 72 runs with the returning Mathews and 103 with Kusal Mendis, who scored 50.

Kamindu’s innings came to an end in the penultimate over of the day when he gloved a cut shot off Ajaz Patel’s spinning delivery. Since his recall to the Test team in March against Bangladesh, Kamindu has shown remarkable consistency delivering centuries against Bangladesh and England along with several other crucial contributions in a short span.