Sri Lanka's performance in the 2024 World Test Championship has positioned them favorably for prospective participation in the finals scheduled for 2025. Their recent achievement of winning five Tests in total, including three victories on foreign soil, underscores a significant milestone for the team. This string of wins is particularly impressive given the challenges associated with playing away from home in the demanding conditions of international cricket.
An analysis of the individual players’ performances provides further insights into the team’s successes and challenges. Kamindu Mendis emerged as a standout performer, particularly with his remarkable achievements in a Test match held in Sylhet where he registered scores of 102 and 164. In addition to those outstanding innings, he contributed a notable 92 not out in Chattogram, followed by scores of 64 at The Oval as well as 114 and an unbeaten 182 in Galle. This exceptional run places Mendis at the forefront of the batting lineup, effectively establishing him as a crucial component of Sri Lanka's strength in the batting department.
However, since his remarkable contributions, Sri Lanka's batting totals have declined significantly. The team has managed only 229 for 9 in the current Test match, and in the preceding six innings, only one score exceeded the 300-run mark. During this time, Kamindu Mendis has struggled, failing to surpass the fifty-run threshold in his recent outings. Notably, in the five Test victories prior to this slump, he averaged an impressive 123.33, which included four centuries and two fifties.
Thilina Kandamby, the batting coach for Sri Lanka, shed light on the broader batting issues that the team has encountered. He expressed concerns that the failure of the top order in the last several matches has created significant pressure on the middle order. In challenging conditions, particularly against the formidable bowling attacks that Sri Lanka recently faced, this lack of early contributions increases the strain on subsequent batsmen, contributing to a series of low scores.
Kandamby pointed out that the middle order had typically delivered solid performances over the past year. Alongside Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva has been key to building partnerships and securing runs for the team. Unfortunately, their inability to deliver critical runs in the recent series has exacerbated the team’s struggles.
He referenced a particular instance from 2024, highlighting a match in Bangladesh where the team found themselves in a precarious position at 57 for 5. It was at this juncture that Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva provided much-needed stability with their twin centuries, a reminder of their potential to pivot the match in Sri Lanka's favor. This contrasting scenario illustrates the inconsistency that has recently plagued the batting unit.
Although Dhananjaya de Silva has been a reliable performer with an average close to 50 during the victorious series this year, Kamindu's recent decline in form has compelled Sri Lanka into challenging match situations. As they continue their battle against Australia, their total of 229 for 9 is manageable, given the pitch conditions that heavily favor spin bowling. Kandamby emphasized the need for a more substantial score, suggesting that a target of over 350 would have been ideal, although the team's precarious position now places them in a difficult spot.
He expressed hope that Kusal Mendis, who remains at the crease, would help elevate the total; his batting capabilities could potentially aid Sri Lanka in reaching a target of 275. The team must rally and adapt to the challenges they face, with a call for a cohesive effort to restore the consistency that characterized their past successes.
Ultimately, Sri Lanka's batting struggles highlight the importance of individual contributions from key players like Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva. Their ability to perform under pressure can have a direct influence on the team's overall performance. The coaching staff recognizes the need for improvement, especially in the upper order, to bolster the batting sequence in future matches. Addressing these issues will be crucial as Sri Lanka aspires to solidify its status and make a lasting impact in the ongoing World Test Championship.