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While attempting to take a run, Kusal Mendis inadvertently collided with bowler Matthew Kuhnemann at the non-striker’s end.
Kusal Mendis (right) lays on the ground after colliding with Matthew Kuhnemann. (Screengrab)
Kusal Mendis’ valiant effort with the bat helped Sri Lanka survive the early scare in the second Test of the series against Australia in Galle on Thursday. Kusal and Ramesh Mendis produced a seventh-wicket partnership of 65 to guide Sri Lanka to a decent position in the first innings after the hosts opted to bat first.
Kusal and Dinesh Chandimal scored a half-century each on the opening day.
Kusal remained unbeaten on 85 as Sri Lanka’s first innings came to an end on Friday morning on 257 in 97.4 overs.
On Day 1 though, Mendis avoided getting injured after an on-field collision with Australia spinner Matthew Kuhnemann. The incident took place right after Chandimal’s dismissal in the 61st over of the innings.
On the third delivery of the over, Ramesh, who was on strike, played a shot towards mid-on. Kusal tried to take a single but ended up running into Kuhnemann who was attempting to field. The incident, thankfully, did not cause any serious injury, with both players returning to action soon.
Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc had an impactful performance for Australia with each bagging three wickets on the opening day of the Test.
Kuhnemann finished with three wickets as well while Travis Head chipped in with a wicket as well.
Kuhnemann showcased brilliant bowling in the first Test of the series picking up nine wickets in Australia’s big innings win that got them 1-0 lead in the series.
The left-arm spinner’s superb performance came after he underwent a surgery in Brisbane. The 28-year-old had injured his right thumb while playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL).
“I thought he was gone,” Australia men’s team coach Andrew McDonald said by cricket.com.au. “But as it got closer to the Test match, he was pretty much a lock three days out. It was a real surprise for me, I don’t know how it works really.”
- Location :
Galle (Sri Lanka)
