Kamindu Mendis matches Bradman’s eecord to become fastest to 1000 Test runs in 75 years

Kamindu Mendis made history by becoming the fastest batter to reach 1,000 Test runs in 75 years, equaling the great Don Bradman’s record. Mendis achieved this milestone in just 13 innings during Sri Lanka’s first innings against New Zealand in Galle, where he scored an unbeaten 182. He is now tied with Bradman as the third-fastest to reach 1,000 Test runs, with only Herbert Sutcliffe and Everton Weekes reaching the landmark faster (both in 12 innings).

A Stylish Milestone

Mendis reached the milestone in style, launching a six off the left-arm spin of Rachin Ravindra to move past the required score of 178. What makes this feat remarkable is that a majority of his runs—634 out of 1,004—came while batting at No. 7 or lower. In this innings, however, Mendis batted at No. 5, having moved up the order for the ongoing series.

Consistency and Versatility

Kamindu’s statistics speak to his consistency and aggressive style. Averaging 91.27 with a strike rate of 65.02, he has crossed the 50-run mark in nine of his 13 innings, has five centuries to his name, and has gone past 150 runs twice. His 182 not out in this innings stands as his highest score. While his average is highest at home, he has displayed versatility by scoring hundreds in three different series this year, across Bangladesh, England, and Sri Lanka.

Breaking Records for Sri Lanka

Mendis has comfortably broken the Sri Lankan record for reaching 1,000 Test runs, previously held by Roy Dias who took 23 innings. Last year, India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal had been the fastest batter of the 21st century to reach this landmark, getting there in 16 innings.

Sri Lanka’s Commanding Position in Galle

Kamindu’s knock has played a crucial role in putting Sri Lanka in a dominant position in the Galle Test. He was the top scorer in the innings, which also saw centuries from Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis, further solidifying Sri Lanka’s control over the match.