Published: Jul 30, 2016, 05:30 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 30, 2016, 05:30 PM (IST)
As Kusal Mendis turns Sri Lanka‘s hero of the emphatic victory over Australia at Pallekele, coach Graham Ford says it is the absence of legendary batsmen like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene that helped Mendis play up the order. Mendis’ 176 in the second innings of the first Test of the ongoing series took Sri Lanka to their first Test victory at the venue. Sri Lanka won a Test against Australia for only the second time with this match which will surely help the hosts build their confidence and come out of the rebuilding phase created since the void created after the retirement of Sangakkara and Jayawardene. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test at Pallekele
Ford, talking to espncricinfo.com, said, “Had you still had the Sangas and the Mahela Jayawardenes, Kusal would have ideally been blooded at no. 6 or 7. But without anybody really putting their hand up to grab that no. 3 spot, we thought he was the guy to get in and had the technique to handle it. Each time he went out there he looked like he had real capabilities to become a world-class and match-winning no. 3. So we decided to run with him and he’s paid us back.”
He described the innings as one of the best he has ever seen. “What can you say? It’s one of the best innings I’ve ever seen. It was. He seemed to have a plan – and option – against all the bowlers. He showed real composure. The odd one did explode and turn on him but he didn’t bother about the previous delivery. He just focused on the next ball and got on with the job. He is an amazing talent. He works really hard and really loves the game.
“He’s batted at no. 3 in all formats across the last couple of months, and shown wonderful maturity. He’s shown signs each time of the possibility of making big scores. There have been really exciting cameos each time, but fortunately now he’s got one of those big innings under his belt, it will hopefully lead to a lot more.”
“He also just seems an extremely relaxed young man. Nothing really fazes him. He enjoys playing and he can’t wait to get out there and bat. Doesn’t seem to show any signs of nerves. He plays positively and plays his shots. He went to his hundred with a six – no nervous nineties. He definitely puts a lot of thought into it. He works hard. But there’s no signs of him being too bothered, or worried about failure, which is quite a nice way of going about his business,” he added.
