[WATCH] Kusal Mendis Avoids Injury In Nasty Collision With Matthew Kuhnemann

Kusal Mendis turned out to be the key man in lifting Sri Lanka up from a critical situation during the first day of the second Test match against Australia at Galle. Although Sri Lanka elected to bat first, they found themselves in a trouble situation, but Kusal’s valiant heart helped raise their ship out of the troubled waters.

Kusal added another 65 runs for the seventh wicket with Ramesh Mendis, which helped the home team get to a respectable position in the first inning. While Kusal amassed an unbeaten 85 in which he was supported by half-centuries from Dinesh Chandimal on day 1; in the end, their partnership was a much-needed one.

Sri Lanka finally wrapped up the innings on Friday morning, restricting their scoreboard to 257 in 97.4 overs. Kusal’s majestic innings went a long way in seeing Sri Lanka equate to a fair amount, and his unbeaten 85 has bolstered the home team’s effort to get back to this game.

Kusal Mendis avoids serious injury during an on-field collision with Matthew Kuhnemann

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Kusal Mendis was certainly a crucial player in establishing a mid-innings recovery from early trouble in the second test against Australia for Sri Lanka, but he had one heart-stopping moment on Day 1, attempting to take a single and colliding with Australian bowler Matthew Kuhnemann.

In the incident after Chandimal’s dismissal in the 61st, Mendis was lucky not to have injured himself badly and back on the field shortly, to the relief of Sri Lankan teammates and supporters. The Australian bowlers, though, were well on top on Day 1, with Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc taking three wickets each. Kuhnemann chipped in with three and Travis Head with one.

What might have impressed was Kuhnemann’s performance, given he had taken a nine-wicket haul in the first Test. His work spelled a 1-0 lead for Australia in the series. Since his return from surgery on his right thumb, the 28-year-old has made a remarkable return from an injury suffered earlier in the Big Bash League.

Kuhnemann’s comeback is definitely a boost for the Australian side, and his contribution will matter in this ongoing Test series. With this performance, he has made a strong case for himself as one of the Australians.