He infuses Test cricket with ODI energy, striking 140 balls with a strike rate of 73 on a day when Sri Lanka scored. Over four an over.
The Changing Face of Test Cricket: From Slow and Steady to High-Scoring and Fast-Paced
A new theory is emerging in the game of cricket, where patience and resilience were once the hallmarks of a great Test match batsman. According to Kusal Mendis, the art of Test batting is evolving to resemble that of One Day International (ODI). This idea was put forth after a day’s play in which Sri Lanka, thanks to a supremely flat surface at Galle, scored at 4.38 runs per over. However, Mendis’ theory begs the question: Is this trend unique to Sri Lanka, or are other teams also ramping up their scoring rates in the modern Baseball era?
On day one of their match against Ireland, Kusal Mendis proved that he could adapt to this new batting style, scoring a magnificent 140 at a strike rate of 73. But he was outpaced by his teammate Dimuth Karunaratne, who hit an impressive 179 at a strike rate of 76. As Test continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether this trend of higher run rates will become the norm and whether a new generation of boundary-hitting sluggers will replace the once-slow and steady Test batters. Kusal
Mendis remarked that the main difference is that when I play red-ball cricket, I start more cautiously and don’t attack as much. When I settle down, I usually bat, just as I would in a one-day match, and I search for singles.
Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan cricketer, recently commented on the changing face of Test cricket. According to him, Test batting has evolved and is starting to resemble One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The observation comes after Sri Lanka’s high scoring rate of 4.38 runs per over on a flat surface at Galle. Kusal Mendis adapted to this new batting style, scoring a century at a strike rate of 73, but was outpaced by his teammate Dimuth Karunaratne.
Mendis’ comments raise a pertinent question: Are traditional Test batters being replaced by boundary-hitting sluggers? He believes that the future of the Test is to play out fewer dot balls but to play aggressively and score runs. As the gaps open, many seek runs, and teams play to win. According to him, there is little difference between the ODI and Test formats apart from the start. Test cricket is no longer a slow grind; it’s becoming more like a high-scoring and fast-paced ODI game.
Whether higher run rates will become the norm in Test cricket remains to be seen. However, with the advent of T20 cricket and the changing nature of the sport, it is clear that Test cricket is evolving. The traditional approach of batting for long periods and grinding out runs may no longer be the best. Instead, batters must adapt to the changing nature of the game and play aggressively to score runs quickly. While this may be a riskier approach, it could ultimately pay off, as evidenced by Sri Lanka’s recent success. Only time will tell if other teams follow suit, and Test cricket will become even more like ODI.
Adapting to Changing Conditions: Mendis’ Success and the Evolution of Test Cricket
Kusal Mendis scored his first Test century in three years; his previous one was against Zimbabwe in January 2020. After collecting four consecutive ducks between the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, he has since experienced a discipline-related ban and a terrible stretch of form. However, since returning to the Test lineup in 2022, he has scored six 50s in 15 innings.
“I’m overjoyed with the 100. I gave the team only 50s for a very long period,” Mendis said. “There were instances when I caused the squad to miss a hundred plays. I was able to provide the team with what they needed. I’m happy that I was able to give them everything I had. It’s beneficial for my batting and my form since the pitch is good. I’ve vied for positions in all three formats throughout the past year. I’ve played for the national team for nearly eight years. Experience is contributing to my success. It’s challenging to succeed right away. That requires time. It will be advantageous to both the team and the nation.
While playing for New Zealand, Mendis scored three hundred in three T20Is, two ODIs, and four Test innings. He claimed adjusting to Sri Lanka’s heat and humidity in April had been challenging (test cricket is not ordinarily played on the island at this time). However, Ireland, who were playing their maiden Test match here, would have needed more time to present as strong a challenge on a field that Mendis himself described as mainly flat.
“The distances and tempo are considerably different in New Zealand,” Mendis recalled. “Many things have changed. But you won’t need to practice as much to acclimate when you return home. After batting for a few days, you can bat whatever you choose. Although difficult, Ireland’s bowlers are developing a different strategy than New Zealand’s. These bowlers attempt to bowl line and length rather than attacking as much consistently.
It is consequently unique. Here in Galle, it’s hotter than it typically is when we play. Also, we had only seven days after our return from New Zealand to get used to the heat. As a result, it is difficult for hitters and bowlers to play long innings or throw lengthy periods.”Read more cricket news here at Inidibet India, the best sports betting site in India.
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