Kamindu and Dhananjaya are from the identical college in Galle, although they did not play collectively there. Being in the identical Test XI was a proud second for him, Kamindu mentioned, however after they received collectively at 57 for five, nostalgia was removed from their minds.
“Dhana aiya is somebody that I regarded up to as my senior. I am actually completely satisfied that I get to play with Dhana aiya now that he is Test captain as effectively,” Kamindu mentioned. “Being 5 down for 50-odd is one thing that may occur in Test cricket generally. Their quick bowlers bowled rather well, in good areas. The wicket additionally supported the seamers, in addition to the overcast circumstances.
“At the moment, the aim for us was simply to get settled on the crease, and as soon as we did that, to set about taking part in a protracted innings. And after that our partnership received settled and we have been ready to keep on.”
They each scored centuries, Kamindu’s first in Checks and Dhananjaya’s first as Test captain.
It nevertheless did not begin effectively for Kamindu. Mahmudul Hasan Pleasure dropped a sitter from an edge first ball, which, had it been taken, may have completed Sri Lanka off, exposing the decrease order.
Taking benefit, Kamindu counter-attacked. He began off with loads of drives on the up, as he peppered the duvet and level boundaries. The sixes have been all off brief balls, as he ramped one and pulled two. Dhananjaya was completely satisfied to hold again to use the quick bowlers’ tempo and bounce to place the balls. He struck most of his fours within the arc between third and canopy level, driving hardly ever.
“I do know it’s extremely tough to get a chance [in the Test side] as a result of our Test group could be very settled. Within the final couple of years I worked tirelessly to get to this level”
Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu was within the 70s when Dhananjaya entered the 90s. However Kamindu received to his century first, earlier than his captain received there in the identical over.
“They have been bowling numerous brief balls,” Kamindu mentioned of the Bangladesh quicks after lunch. “I believed that the boundary on one facet was brief. I feel if I can hit the brief ball, will probably be good for us. Their quick bowlers bowled effectively, however in addition they bowled some dangerous balls. Dhananjaya and I stayed constructive.”
Kamindu changed Sadeera Samarawickrama within the Sri Lanka XI, and might need executed sufficient to warrant a spot for some time.
“I am very completely satisfied, this is my second Test match,” Kamindu mentioned. “I do know it’s extremely tough to get a chance [in the Test side] as a result of our Test group could be very settled. Within the final couple of years I worked tirelessly to get to this level.”
Greater than the runs, it was the best way Kamindu carried himself below strain that will have impressed the Sri Lanka selectors and group administration. He took the strain off Dhananjaya by scoring shortly, and when it regarded like Bangladesh bowlers may re-enter the sport, he shut it down with his free-flowing stroke play. A maiden century, in his first Test after virtually two years, will give him a lift for positive.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
