On this day, In 2016
Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s middle order batsman got to his maiden Test hundred
against Australia in the first Test at Pallekele of the three-Test match series. He got to his maiden Test hundred with a six, thereby adding his name to a list of batsmen who have done so in the past.
In the first Test at Pallekele when Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 117 in the first innings and in reply Australia took a 86-run lead, the hosts needed someone to step to the task of staying at the crease and take charge of the game. Kusal Mendis then stepped up to the task of controlling the innings for Sri Lanka.
In spite of losing 2 wickets for just 6 runs, Mendis looked positive right from the start. He started playing shots all-around the park. He lost partners after small partnerships but finally found a companion in Dinesh Chandimal as the duo made things look easy in the middle.
And just when Lyon came on to bowl the last ball of the 43rd over of Sri Lanka’s second innings, Mendis with a slog sweep hit him for six to reach his first Test hundred. He raised his bat towards the crowd and enjoyed the moment. It was special not only because it was his first, but also because of the adversities it came under. The fashion in which he reach the milestone then added to the magnificence. Sri Lanka went on to win the game, with Rangana Herath ripping Australia with a five for in the 2nd Innings.
Sri Lanka 117 (Lyon 3-12, Hazlewood 3-21) and 353 (Mendis 176, Starc 4-84) beat Australia 203 (Voges 47, Herath 4-49, Sandakan 4-58) and 161 (Smith 55, Herath 5-54) by 106 runs