Mendis okay to bat, close to dubious record

Kusal Mendis, who was twice hit by Joe Root while fielding at short leg, is okay and will bat, according to team sources. 

It is to be seen whether the team management would want him to bat at number five instead of at three.

Substitute fielder Minod Bhanuka took Mendis’ place at short leg when the latter was taken off the field.

India’s Ajit Agarkar and Pakistan’s Mohammed Asif, holders of a dubious batting record of being dismissed for five successive ducks, would not want Mendis in their company.

Mendis, who is sitting on four successive ducks, may need to overcome the hidden deficiencies to avoid this record, according to Senior Lecturer and Sport Psychologist, Dr. Samantha Nanayakkara. 

She said, “Firstly, every Sri Lankan wants to see him playing in the next match. We are not expecting nightmares and I wish him good luck wholeheartedly.”

“However, when a player fails to compete successfully in a competition, we raise our eyebrows and wonder what’s wrong with him. But beyond this, we need to understand the hidden deficiencies which the players are unable to overcome.”

“Undoubtedly he is physically fit and has undergone a physical ability test. So, it is possible that the problem might be psychological. Cricket is not a game that can be succeeded only with the bat and the ball. Within a few seconds, a batsman needs to identify the type of bowler and every action of throwing the ball including the speed of the ball etc. and the player must be able to respond quickly,” she added. 

“This is why mental practice during training is important. Before the next match, he needs to focus and balance his mind and body together and then channel that strength against the opponent. He needs to practice mind games,” she further added.