Mendis okay to bat, close to dubious record

15 January 2021 11:46 pm - 3     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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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.

 

  Comments - 3

  • AKHILA MENDIS Saturday, 16 January 2021 12:02 PM

    Not every Sri Lankan want to see him playing in the next match. He should be dropped and undergo all what you suggest at lower level, get through it and come back with flying colours, in the same way that Marvan Atapattu did.

    mike fernando Sunday, 17 January 2021 03:20 AM

    It seems the selectors fault not to give him a break when he is out of form, replacing him with an inform player. THE SELECTORS OUGHTA TAKE THE BLAME AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR BRINGING DISGRACEFUL SHAME TO SL CRICKET THIS WAY AND DEMORALISING KUSAL.

    Man Monday, 18 January 2021 08:57 AM

    Please drop him for the next test as his technique is poor to cope with the bouncy pitches in South Africa and understand when the ball is pitched on outside the leg stump to use the pad as far as possible, unless short. Roshan Silva must be elected as he showed and proved his test quality.


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