Kusal Mendis played a crucial role in helping Sri Lanka recover from an early scare in the second Test against Australia in Galle on Thursday. After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka faced early challenges, but Mendis’ steady performance, along with Ramesh Mendis, guided the hosts to a more stable position. The pair shared a vital seventh-wicket partnership of 65 runs, which helped Sri Lanka reach a total of 257 in their first innings on Friday morning after 97.4 overs.

Mendis remained unbeaten on 85, and along with Dinesh Chandimal, who scored a half-century, provided the backbone for Sri Lanka’s batting on Day 1. However, there was a tense moment when Kusal Mendis avoided injury after a collision with Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.

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The incident occurred in the 61st over, right after Chandimal’s dismissal. As Ramesh Mendis hit the ball towards mid-on, Kusal attempted a single and ran into Kuhnemann, who was fielding the ball. Fortunately, both players were unharmed and quickly returned to action.

Bit happening here between Kuhnemann and Kusal Mendis 😅🫣#SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/yDKW2Kiahf

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 6, 2025

Australia’s bowlers had a significant impact on Day 1, with Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc both picking up three wickets. Kuhnemann also impressed with the ball, taking three wickets, while Travis Head contributed with a wicket of his own. Kuhnemann’s performance was particularly notable, as it came after a successful recovery from thumb surgery. The left-arm spinner had injured his right thumb while playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL).

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Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald, was initially concerned about Kuhnemann’s recovery but was impressed by his performance ahead of the Test. “I thought he was gone, but as it got closer to the Test match, he was pretty much a lock three days out. It was a real surprise for me,” McDonald said.