Sri Lanka news: Returning Kusal Mendis gets the plaudits
Kusal Mendis might be the missing piece of the puzzle for Sri Lanka as they seek to take their resurgence to new heights.
Mendis struck a well-paced half-century to help lift Sri Lanka to victory over Australia in the fifth T20I of their series.
Sri Lanka had been 4-0 down but competed far better than the margin suggested.
Mendis adds experience to a young top order that could all benefit from his presence.
Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka singled out Kusal Mendis for special praise.
Speaking at the post-match presentation in Melbourne, Shanaka said: “The boys played really well throughout the series, made a statement that when we come for the World Cup we’ll be prepared.
“[Kusal Mendis] has been an outstanding player throughout. We should keep on giving opportunities to the right players. I’d like to thank all the Sri Lankans who supported us. See you soon in the World Cup.”
Mendis, who has a chequered history when it comes to statements to the media kept his post-match comments brief.
“Today was a very good game,” Mendis said.
“Dasun Shanaka batted really well. Think we have played well every game.”
Australia had managed to get over the line in all four previous matches but each was hotly contested.
In the fifth T20I, Australia skipper Aaron Finch felt they lost the match in the powerplay.
“We were probably outplayed in the powerplay with bat and ball,” Finch said.
“That was the difference. Probably not quite enough in the end. Think we’ve got a lot of answers. Been a fantastic series for players individually. Sri Lanka are a very dangerous side and to win five games is tough in fickle format.”
Finch lauded the impact of BBL star Josh Inglis on the Australia middle order and the team balance.
“The flexibility of Josh Inglis was fantastic, showed his game is well and truly suited to international, and the depth in our bowling continues to grow.
“The way Ash Agar came into the side, he’s bowled the house down.”
Latest
-
EnglandWhat next for England’s limited-overs teams after Bangladesh series ends?
There is not due to be another white-ball game for Matthew Mott’s side until September.
-
Indian Premier LeagueMatthew Mott will have a keen eye on England’s Indian Premier League contingent
The competition offers players a fantastic chance to make an irresistible case for World Cup selection.
-
EnglandIt suits my game – Harry Brook at home in England’s Test side
It has been a whirlwind 13 months for the 24-year-old Yorkshireman.
-
Women's CricketEngland to face Australia in front of record crowd at Edgbaston in Women’s Ashes
Almost 15,500 tickets have been sold for the T20 clash on July 1.
-
EnglandRehan Ahmed calls making England debuts in all three formats ‘dream come true’
Ahmed has been tipped for greatness ever since claiming the wickets of Sir Alastair Cook and Ben Stokes in a Lord’s net just before his 12th birthday.
-
EnglandOn this day in 2018 – Kevin Pietersen announces retirement from cricket
The prolific batter scored 23 hundreds for England in 104 Tests.
-
BangladeshMehidy Hasan Miraz takes four for 12 as England set Bangladesh 118 to win
England, who registered just 10 fours and two sixes on a turning pitch, lost their final three wickets in the last over with two run outs.
-
EnglandEngland lose T20 series against Bangladesh after Mehidy Hasan Miraz stars
The Tigers moved 2-0 ahead with one match to play.
-
EnglandJos Buttler happy with batters at England’s disposal despite Bangladesh defeat
England decided against summoning replacements for injured duo Tom Abell and Will Jacks ahead of these three matches.
-
IndiaIndia confirmed as Australia’s opponents for World Test Championship final
The final will run from June 7-11.