If two wicketless sessions weren’t enough to frustrate the New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, the partnership between Kusal Mendis (116*) and Angelo Mathews (117*) kept his bowlers at bay will certainly leave him pulling his hair out. On Tuesday, Sri Lanka kept New Zealand at bay, going to Tea at 197 for 3, reducing the deficit to less than 50 after having had started the day on 20 for 3. The duo extended their association to an unbeaten 241, but more importantly, they have managed to grind the New Zealand bowlers and chew out more than 450 deliveries so far, with over five sessions remaining in the game.
The second session, in many ways, saw a different approach, especially from Mathews as he was adamant on blocking every challenge thrown at him. Having toiled for almost six sessions, the mental fatigue showed late on the third day as Sri Lanka lost three quick wickets. Mendis looked scratchy but did well to see of the nervy period.
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In the 89th over of the game which was bowled by Colin de Grandhomme, Mathews completed his 9th Test century. The bowler delivered a full angled ball into the pads and Mathews clipped away through the gap at midwicket for his ninth Test century. He celebrated his century by doing push-ups on the filed. Mathews action was like a statement to the selectors of the Sri Lankan who doubted his fitness. However, his knock was more about his mental strength.
Here is the video of the same:
💯up for Mathews at the @BasinReserve Superb fighting effort by he and Mendis for @OfficialSLC and the celebration is top draw #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/UzF74oaC7o
— Daniel McHardy (@SnakeMcHardy) December 18, 2018
Mendis had been at the crease for four and a half hours by the break and Mathews for only eight minutes fewer in a partnership which had produced a clear sense of frustration among the New Zealanders, who had seen an expected imminent test win become more remote.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 282 & 259/3 (Kusal Mendis 116*, Angelo Matthews 117*) trail New Zealand 578 (Tom Latham 264*) by 37 runs.
