Balapuwaduge Kusal Gimhan Mendis, known as Kusal Mendis; born February 2, 1995) is a professional Sri Lankan cricketer who plays for all forms of the game. He only played sixteen top-notch games before playing for the national team. It usually beats third in all formats. In November 2017, he was named One Day International (ODI) Batsman of the Year for the 2016-17 season at the Sri Lanka Cricket Annual Awards.Domestic careerMendis was named Student Cricketer of the Year in 2013 and in his formative years, he was the captain of the national youth teams and the Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa.

In March 2018, Mendis was named to Dambulla's squad for the Super Four Provincial Tournament 2017-18. The following month he was also named to Dambulla's roster for the Super Provincial One Day Tournament 2018.

In August 2018, Mendis was named to Galles' squad for the 2018 SLC T20 League. He was the leading run-scorer for Galle in the tournament with 182 runs in six games. In March 2019, he was named to Galles' roster for the 2019 Super Provincial One Day Tournament.

During the 2019-20 Premier League tournament, Mendis scored 139 against Ragama Cricket Club, and the game was won by one innings and 125 runs. Mendis scored his first top-tier Double Century against Nondescripts Cricket Club. His unbeaten double century contributed to the tie. In the last game against Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, Mendis scored another century with 157 runs.

In October 2020, Mendis was drafted by the Kandy Tuskers for the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League.International careerMendis led Sri Lanka's squad for the 2014 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. He was the 132nd test player for Sri Lanka and won his cap during the second test of the Sobers-Tissera Trophy. He made his test debut in the 2nd Test of the West India Tour through Sri Lanka in 2015, scoring 13 runs in the first innings and 39 runs in the second innings.

Mendis was named to the Sri Lankan squad for the tour of England, and in the first Test he scored a duck in the first innings, but in the second innings, he scored his first Test of half a century with 53 runs.

Mendis made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Ireland on June 16, 2016, scoring his first ODI 50. Mendis made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for Sri Lanka against England on July 5, 2016, in the same tourOn July 28, 2016, Mendis scored his first Test century during the First Test against Australia at Pallekele Cricket Stadium. He became the youngest Sri Lanka to score against Australia for a century and also the highest score against Australia on home soil. Sri Lanka won the game by 106 runs, which was only their second test win against Australia. Mendis received the Man of the Match Award for his performance.

Kusal Mendis

Sri Lanka looking to set a massive target as Chandimal, Fernando, Kusal hit fifties

The Test was hanging in balance after the end of Day 2, but now it is safe to say that hosts Sri Lanka have made a stronger grip towards the match which has been swinging both ways. After the end of Day 3, Sri Lanka has a big lead of 333 with 1 wicket in hand.<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/image2022-07-18233708040-18_07_2022.jpg">Night watchman Kasun Rajitha was dismissed early by Mohammad Nawaz. It was opener Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis who was taking Sri Lanka's lead forward. Their stand of 91 gave Sri Lanka the platform to work with. Fernando was dismissed by Yasir Shah at 64.Angelo Matthews and Mendis were dismissed by the spin duo of Nawaz and Yasir. A few boundaries later, Dhananjaya Silva and Niroshan Dickwella&nbsp;by the spinners.Despite Sri Lanka losing wickets, the hosts were able to score at a quick rate. Dinesh Chandimal, the hero of the first innings for the Lankans, was yet again the best batter for the hosts. His unbeaten 86 of 121 deliveries played a major role in giving the hosts a dominating spot in the Test.The day ended with Chandimal not out at 86 and Prabath Jayasuriya unbeaten at 4. Mohammad Nawaz picked up a five wicket haul, while Yasir Shah chipped in with 3 wickets.

Sri Lanka dominate on Day 2 as Mendis, Jayasuriya, Karunaratne shine

Sri Lanka were the one to rule Day 2 of the second Test against Australia, as Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis hit fifties after debutant Prabath Jayasuriya picked up 6 wickets on debut to stop Australia on 345.<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/image2022-07-09205847058-09_07_2022.jpg">Australia, who started Day 2 on 298/5, did not manage to score the total they were hoping for. Their innings stopped at 345, thanks to the six wicket haul of Jayasuriya. Steve Smith, who was unbeaten on 145, was the highest scorer for the visitors.Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka early to Mitchell Starc, as he was caught in gully by Cameron Green. From that moment onwards, it was all Sri Lanka. Captain Karunaratne and Mendis stitched a second wicket partnership of 152 to give the hosts a strong foundation. They kept on cutting the deficit, and applying the pressure on the Aussies.A breakthrough was finally given by the legspinner Mitchell Swepson, who removed skipper Karunaratne for 86. Mendis and Angelo Matthews saw the day off without any more casualties. At the end of Day 2, Sri lanka are trailing by 180 runs, with 8 wickets in hand. Mendis and Matthews in unbeaten at 84 and 6 respectively.

Kusal Mendis enjoys fatherhood for first time

Sri Lanka's top-order batsman
Kusal Mendis has become father for the first time. This was revealed by his
father, Dinesh Mendis. 
<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/kusal-mendis-father-21_06_2022.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">"Kusal's wife Nishelle gave
birth to a baby girl this between 7 and 8 Monday morning. Both the newly born
baby and her mother are absolutely fine,” he said exclusively over the
telephone from Colombo. 
The 27-year-old top-order right-hand-handed
batter, who scored 87 runs in the winning match against Australia on Sunday
night saw his daughter on Monday morning. 
"Kusal came to the hospital
(Ninewells Hospital) on Sunday night immediately after the match. The delivery
was not done at the time. He, however, has seen the baby this morning,” the
father further added. 
Kusal was still in the hospital
at the time of filing this report (1 pm) on Monday noon. The parents are likely
to name the girl Hailey. The duo married last year on February 12.
However, Kusal was suffered from
cramps in the third ODI against Australia but he’s recovered from that and
available for the fourth ODI which is scheduled to take place on June 21. Sri
Lanka are ahead in the five-match ODI series by 2-1.

Sri Lanka make strong start in reply of Bangladesh's 364

At the end of the second day of
the Dhaka Test, Sri Lanka are 222 runs behind the host Bangladesh. Before the
end of the day's play, Sri Lanka scored 143 runs, losing 2 wickets.
<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/dimuth-karunaratne-24_05_2022.jpg">After a terrible batting disaster,
Mushfiqur Rahim's unbeaten 175 and Litton Das' 141 helped Bangladesh to score 364
runs in 116.2 overs. Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando shared 9 wickets between
them for the Lankans. Rajitha took five wickets and Asitha got four.
In reply, Sri Lanka went to the tea
break with 84 runs without any wicket. At the beginning of the third session,
Ebadot Hossain brought the first success to Bangladesh, taking Oshada Fernando’s
wicket who scored 57 runs from 91 balls. Kusal Mendis then came to the crease
and formed a good partnership of 44 runs with captain Dimuth Karunaratne.
However, Kusal scored 11 runs from 49 balls and became the victim of Shakib Al
Hasan.
After that Bangladesh did not get
any more wickets. Batting 46 overs, the Lankans scored 143 runs for the loss of
2 wickets. Karunaratne was unbeaten on 70 off 127 balls and nightwatchman
Rajitha remained unbeaten on 0 off 11 balls.

Kusal Mendis taken to hospital with chest pain just before lunch break 

On the first day of the ongoing
Dhaka Test, just before the lunch break, Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis fell
ill. The cricketer was rushed to the capital's Evercare Hospital for treatment
after suffering severe chest pain.
<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/kusal-mendis-chest-pain-23_05_2022.jpg">Hosts Bangladesh and visiting Sri
Lanka have met in the second and final Test of the series at the Sher-e-Bangla
National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, known as the 'home of cricket'. Bangladesh chose
to bat after winning the toss. While fielding against the Tigers, Mendis
suddenly felt chest pain in the 23rd over of the first innings. He immediately
sat down on the field. Although he was not hit by the ball or anything else at
that time.
As soon as Mendis felt chest
pain, the physio of the Sri Lankan team came and started observing. Stretchers
were also brought as the condition was serious. However, in the end, the Sri
Lankan cricketer left the field on foot without getting up on a stretcher. Mendis
kept his hands on his chest while leaving the field on foot.
Mendis is currently being treated
at Evercare Hospital in the capital. At the time of writing, however, details
of Mendis' physical condition have not been released from the hospital.

Mathews century gives Sri Lanka the edge on opening day

Sri Lanka have finished the first
day of the first Test strongly with the help of the century from the veteran
Angelo Mathews. The visitors have ended the day at 258 runs losing just 4
wickets. 
<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/mathews-15_05_2022.jpg">After taking two wickets in the
first session of the match, Bangladesh bowlers weren’t able to take any wickets
in the second session. In the first session, Sri Lanka scored 73 runs for 2
wickets, where in the second session, they gathered 158 runs without the loss
of any wicket. 
After electing to bat first,
captain Dimuth Karunaratne himself got out early in the innings. Another
opener, Oshada Fernando also failed to make his innings bigger as Sri Lanka
were 66/2 at one stage of the innings. Spinner Nayeem Hasan, who came to the team
in place of injured Mehidy Hasan Miraz, got the wicket of both openers.
Then Mathews and Kusal Mendis
made a 92-run partnership to tackle the situation before spinner Taijul Islam
got the breakthrough wicket of Mendis who scored 54 runs. Shakib Al Hasan
picked up Dhananjaya de Silva’s wicket after that and sent the visitors to the
backfoot in the match.
But Mathews passed the rest of
the day with another veteran Dinesh Chandimal safely and put the team into a better
position. Mathews scored his 12th century in Tests and remained
unbeaten on 114 runs after the first day. Chandimal was unbeaten on 34 runs. 
Nayeem was the standout bowler of
the day for Bangladesh with two wickets.

Dhananjaya and Kusal return to SL from Dhaka Premier League for fitness tests

Sri Lankan all-rounder (and
possible vice-captain on the forthcoming Bangladesh tour) Dhananjaya de Silva
and Kusal Mendis have returned (to Sri Lanka) from Bangladesh, where they were
playing the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. 
<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/dhananjaya-kusal-27_04_2022.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">"They gave and passed their
fitness tests on Monday,” one of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board sources
revealed. 
Both Dhananjaya and Kusal were
recently hired by two franchise teams- Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting
Club- respectively to play List-A Dhaka Premier League (DPL) matches in
Bangladesh.
More than 80 players gave their
fitness tests on Monday, and ‘almost all’ have passed.&nbsp; 
This long list (of more than 80
players included) included the national players to leave for the Bangladesh
tour, Under-19 players, and players from the Emerging squad. They underwent
tests for skin folds, strength, speed and agility, and endurance.
Fitness tests of the national
men's team were supervised by the new head coach Chris Silverwood, whereas the
young players' tests were conducted in the presence of Ruwan Kalpage, the head
coach for the Emerging squad, which is to leave for the England tour.&nbsp; 
Sri Lanka team will arrive in
Bangladesh on May 8. The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
will start on May 15 next month.

Riyad, Mendis go big as Mohammedan's DPL journey ends

Mohammedan Sporting Club are not among the six teams that have qualified for the Super League stage of the 2022 Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL).&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/riyad-mohammedan-15_04_2022.jpg">Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club (18 points), Abahani Limited (14), Legends of Rupganj (14), Prime Bank Cricket Club (12), Rupganj Tigers (10) and Gazi Group Cricketers (10) will battle for tournament championship after the end of 11 rounds of league stage.Brothers Union (6), City Club (6) and Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity (2) will play relegation league.&nbsp;On Friday, the league stage concluded where all 11 teams played 10 games each. Dhaka's prominent club <a href="https://www.bdcrictime.com/match/54122/mohammedan-sporting-club-vs-legends-of-rupganj" target="_blank">Mohammedan thumped Legends of Rupganj at BKSP-3</a>. With 80-run win, Mohammedan finish with five wins, placed seventh.&nbsp;Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis struck a hundred (101 off 91)&nbsp;playing his second match for Mohammedan, helping the side post 307. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon led the way with brisk 68-ball 76. Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad hammered 70 off 47 before Mehedi Hasan Rana cleaned up at the end.Spinner Nazmul Islam Apu took a five-wicket haul to leave Rupganj reeling at 145 for 8. Naeem Islam hit 80 while Mashrafe Bin Mortaza struck 16-ball 30, with the former taking the score to 227 having lost eighth in the 31st over.&nbsp;Mohammedan had signed big names - including Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez who is replaced by Mendis - ahead of the start of the season. Shakib Al Hasan (family reasons) and Taskin Ahmed (injury) could not play a single game. While Mahmudullah joined after finishing ODI tour of South Africa, Test members Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz could not get a game due to their side not making it to next stage.At BKSP's Ground-4, <a href="https://www.bdcrictime.com/match/54121/brothers-union-vs-khelaghar-samaj-kallyan-samity" target="_blank">Brothers Union&nbsp;have beaten Khelaghar</a> in a high-scoring match.&nbsp; Leg-spinning all-rounder Aminul Islam Biplob capitalised on opportunity in hitting 75-ball 88. Dhiman Ghosh made 74-ball 89 not out and Chaturanga de Silva 30* off 10 to take Brothers Union's total to&nbsp;306/5.In response, Pritom Kumar (72) and Elias Sunny (62) tried but Khelaghar fell 14 short.<a href="https://www.bdcrictime.com/match/54120/sheikh-jamal-dhanmondi-club-vs-city-club" target="_blank">Sheikh Jamal won a low-scorer against City Club</a>&nbsp;at Mirpur, defending 197 to claim ninth win of the season. Imrul Kayes hit 61 for them before bowlers rout City Club for 144.

The Kusal Mendis Chapter : Domestic & International Career, Facts & Figure

Balapuwaduge Kushal Giana Mendes, known as Kushal Mendes; born 2 February 1995) is a professional Sri Lankan cricketer who plays all forms of the game. He only played sixteen top-flight games before playing for the national team.<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/kusal-mendis-13_04_2022.jpg">He was the 2013 Pupil of the Year while playing for Prince of Wales College. At the 2014 ICC U-19 World Cup, he was named captain of the Sri Lanka U-19 national team.Early and Domestic Career 
Mendis was voted Pupil Cricket Player of the Year in 2013 and in his formative years captained national youth and Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa. 

In March 2018, Mendis was named to Dambulla's roster for the 2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament. The following month he was also named to Dambulla's squad for the 2018 Super Provincial One Day Tournament. 

In August 1998, Mendis was named to Galle's 2018 SLC T20 League squad. He was Galle's leading run scorer in the tournament with 182 runs in six matches. In March 2019, he was named to Galle's roster for the 2019 Super Provincial One Day Tournament. 

During the 2019–20 Premier League tournament, Mendis scored 139 points against Ragama Cricket Club and the game was won by one innings and 125 runs. Mendis scored his first first-class double century against Nondescripts Cricket Club. His undefeated double century helped draw the match. In the final against Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, Mendis scored another century with 157 runs. 

In October 2020, Mendis was drafted by Kandy Tuskers for the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League. In November 2021 he was selected by draft player for the 2021 Lanka Premier League to play for the Galle Gladiators.International CareerMendis captained the Sri Lanka team for the 2014 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. He was the 132nd test player for Sri Lanka and won his cap during the second test of the Sobers-Tissera Trophy. He made his Test debut at the 2015 2nd Test of West Indies tour of Sri Lanka, scoring 13 runs in the first innings and 39 runs in the second innings. 

Mendis was called up in the Sri Lanka squad for the Tour of England and in the first Test he scored a duck in the first innings, but in the second innings he scored his first Test in half a century with 53 carries.Mendis made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Ireland on 16 June 2016, scoring his first ODI-50. Mendis made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for Sri Lanka against England on 5 July 2016 in the same tour.On 28 July 2016, Mendis scored his first Test century in the first Test against Australia at Pallekele Cricket Stadium. He became the youngest Sri Lankan to score against Australia in a century and also the highest score against Australia on home soil. Sri Lanka won the match by 106 runs, which was only their second Test win over Australia. Mendis received the Man of the Match award for his performance. 

In the fifth game of the Tri-Series in Zimbabwe against the West Indies, Mendis scored 94 runs. With his 50 and 94 runs from Niroshan Dickwella, Sri Lanka recorded 330 runs in 50 overs, which was recorded as Sri Lanka's highest total against the West Indies. Sri Lanka won the match by single run and Mendis was declared man of the match for his batting. With this victory, Sri Lanka reached the final with Zimbabwe. In the finals, Mendis scored another fifty and led the team to win the series by 6 wickets. His all-around performances in the series earned him his first Player of the Series award. 

In the first Test against Bangladesh in Galle, Mendis scored his second Test century, just under 6 runs for his double hundred. His score of 194 before being caught by Tamim Iqbal. 

On March 28, 2017, Mendis scored his first ODI century with 102 runs in the second ODI against Bangladesh at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. However, the match ended without a result due to heavy rain. 

On 8 June 2017 against India at the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Mendis scored 89 runs to seal the game for Sri Lanka. In the match, Sri Lanka chased 321 runs scored by India, recording the most successful run pursuit in Champion's Trophy history. He along with Danushka Gunathilaka stood a 159 run stand for a second wicket and helped reach the mark. This was Sri Lanka's highest chase and also their first successful chase with more than 300 players since the 2015 World Cup.In the first Test against Bangladesh in 2018, Mendis scored his fourth Test hundred. His hundred came on matchday three, that was his 23rd birthday. Mendis, along with Dhananjaya de Silva, scored a 308-run partnership on the second wicket until De Silva was sacked for 173 runs. However, Mendis was dismissed for 196 runs, four runs short of his first double century just before the tea break. However, Mendis' career best score of 196 made him the second Sri Lankan after Kumar Sangakkara to drop out at least twice in the 190s.Mendis was completely out of form during the 2018 Asian Cup where he was sent off for nothing in both games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan. His place in the team was in doubt with poor performances where he retired from the England tour in Sri Lanka. But during the ODI series, Mendis was called up to the squad for the remainder of the series against England, replacing Kusal Perera, who suffered a quad strain in the second ODI. In his comeback match, he was again dismissed for nothing. In the fourth ODI he batted in middle order scoring just 5 runs and England won the series 3-0. In the last game, Mendis batted in the number 4 position. After 24 innings without a 50, he scored a 30-ball half century in the match with 6 giant 6s. Sri Lanka won the match by 219 D/L runs.During the two-match Test series against South Africa, Mendis continued his poor form with 0-, 12- and 16-point sluggers. However, his fielding efforts at slipping improved every inning. However, in the second innings of the second Test in Port Elizabeth, Mendis scored his 9th Test fifty. He put on an unbeaten partnership of 163 runs from 213 balls along with newcomer Oshada Fernando to win the match by 8 wickets. Eventually, Sri Lanka won the series 2-0 and Mendis was declared man of the match. It was the first Test series won by Sri Lanka in South Africa. 

In April 2019 he was called up to the Sri Lanka squad for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. 

On 1 September 2019 in the inaugural T20I against New Zealand, he hit a quick 79 runs on 53 balls to complete a 174 goal. However, Sri Lanka lost the game. In the final over of the second T20I, he collided with Shehan Jayasuriya at the boundary line. Jayasuriya ran from afar and Mendis from Midwicket, to intercept an airstrike from Mitchell Santner, tripped over the oncoming Mendis and sent him crashing into the perimeter. Both players picked up knee injuries and rested from the third T20I.On February 25, 2020, against the West Indies, Mendis scored his second ODI century. Along with Avishka Fernando, they partnered for the third wicket on 239 runs, with Sri Lanka eventually making 345/8. The West Indies collapsed in the chase and Sri Lanka won the match by 161 runs. This was Sri Lanka's biggest win in ODIs against the West Indies, with Sri Lanka taking an unassailable lead in the series. 

On 28 June 2021, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) suspended Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Niroshan Dickwella after they breached the team's biosecure bubble during Sri Lanka's England tour. All three players were spotted in Durham city center[61] and SLC sent them all home before the ODI games. In July 2021, Mendis was banned from playing international cricket for a year following the outcome of the incident. Sri Lanka Cricket agreed to lift the ban early and have the punishment lifted in January 2022.On February 20, 2022, Mendis scored a T20I sixth half-century match win against Australia. His 69 unbeaten runs helped Sri Lanka win the game by five wickets, with him being named Player of the Match.Career StatsTest Statistics 
As of July 2020, Mendis has participated in 44 Tests and accumulated 2,995 runs with an average of 36.97 with 7 hundreds and 11 fifties. His highest Test innings score is 196. 

ODI Statistics 
Speaking of ODIs, Mendis has featured in 76 of them and cracked 2,167 runs with an average of 30.52 and a scoring rate of 84.68 with 2 hundreds and 17 fifties. His highest ODI score is 119. 

T20I Statistics 
Mendis has also competed in 26 T20Is and hit 484 runs with an 18.61 average and a 131.52 batting average over 5 half centuries. His highest T20I score is 79.Rise to Glory 



Mendis made his name in the international arena with a scintillating score in the first test against Australia in 2016. His innings helped Sri Lanka win only their second Test against Australia. 



Mendis was named "Player of the Series" in the 2016 Tri-Series, in which Zimbabwe and West Indies were the other two teams. 



In the first Test of the 2017 Home Test series against Bangladesh, he scored a terrific 194 to lead his team to victory. He continued his good form in the ODI series where he scored his first ODI hundred at Dambulla. 



Records 



With his first Test hundred, Mendis became the youngest Sri Lankan to score a Test hundred against Australia.

Sri Lanka announce squad for India Tests

Sri Lanka Cricket included Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella in the Sri Lanka Test squad for the upcoming Test series against India.<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/sri-lanka-announce-squad-for-india-tests-25_02_2022.jpg">Sri Lanka are about to tour India to play three T20Is and two Tests. The tour will kickstart with the first T20I at Lucknow on February 24th. The remaining two games will be played in Dharmasala. Recently Dasun Shanka and co suffered a 1-4 defeat in the five-match T20I series against Australia. Dasun Shanaka and co have travelled all the way from Australia to India. Meanwhile, the tour has started on a bad note as the hosts won the first T20I comfortably with a huge margin.Following the three-match T20I series, Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two Tests in India. The second Test at Bangalore will be played as a day-night Test. Ahead of the Test series, Sri Lanka Cricket named their Test squad.The board has included Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, and Lahiru Thirimanne in the Test squad while the regular faces like Ramesh Mendis will skip the series due to fitness concerns. Along with that,&nbsp;uncapped leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay has earned his maiden Test call-up.Sri Lanka Test squad:&nbsp;Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva (vc), Kusal Mendis (subject to fitness), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis (will not take part due to an injury), Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lasith Embuldeniya

Hasaranga ruled out of Australia series after infected with COVID-19

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindi Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Australia after being infected with COVID-19.<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/hasaranga-16_09_2021.jpg">Sri Lanka are currently in Australia to play five-match T20I series. The hosts are having an upper hand in the series so far after winning the first two games, though the visitors managed to put some fight back in the second game.Ahead of the third T20I, the visitors are given a major setback as their prime all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the game after being tested positive for COVID-19. Sri Lanka Cricket officially confirmed that the all-rounder is found positive for COVID-19 in the rapid antigen test carried out."Wanindu Hasaranga has tested positive for Covid-19.
The player was found to be positive during a routine Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted this morning (15th February).&nbsp;Hasaranga is currently undergoing Covid-19 protocols and is placed in isolation," Sri Lanka Cricket quoted in an official press release.Hasaranga is isolated according to the health protocols and the all-rounder is expected to miss the remainder of the tour as well. Earlier the left-arm fast bowler Binura Fernando was ruled out of the third T20I due to injury.On the other hand, Sri Lankan right-handed batsman Kusal Mendis who missed the first two games due to COVID-19 has recovered from the infection and he has obtained medical clearance as well. With this, the batsman is available for selection for the third T20I in Canberra.

SL vs AUS: Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis test Covid positive

Kusal Mendis has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of Sri Lanka's T20I series against Australia. He is asymptomatic and as he has already received three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine he only needs to be isolated for seven days.<img src="https://api.bdcrictime.com/kusal-mendis-sri-lanka-08_02_2022.jpg"> As such, Mendis could appear in the second half of the series provided he doesn't develop symptoms, said Dr. Daminda Attanayake, SLC's Chief Medical Officer told bdcrictime.com.Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the upcoming five-game T20I series in Australia and will be in isolation pending the return of negative tests. Mendis was identified as positive by a rapid antigen test (RAT) performed on Monday (February 7) and confirmed by an RT-PCR test later in the day. The Sri Lankan side arrived in Australia on February 3rd and the first T20I will take off on Friday (February 11th).'The five-game T20 series between Sri Lanka and Australia will be played from February 11-20, with the first game scheduled at the SCG. 

Following the white ball tour of Australia, the islanders will be in India from February 25 with the five-day games for a Test and a three-game T20 series. 

On January 31, unmanned aerial vehicle pacer Nuwan Thushara, who is part of the 20-man Sri Lanka squad touring Australia, had tested positive for the virus before the team's departure.His absence means Sri Lanka are without the Lanka Premier League's top scorer at the start of this series. However, they have options with Avishka Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka in the squad, among others.Team coach Dilshan Fonseka had also tested positive for the virus.Sri Lanka T20I squad for Australia tour: Dasun Shanaka (capt), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka,&nbsp;Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando

Nationality	Sri Lanka
Role
Born	2nd Feb, 1995
Age	27 years, 6 months, 5 days
Batting Style	Right Hand Bat

Matches	54
Innings	103
Not Out	4
Runs	3402
High Score	196
Average	34.36
Strike Rate	55.20
100s	7
50s	15
6s	29
4s	415

Matches	87
Innings	85
Not Out	5
Runs	2546
High Score	119
Average	31.82
Strike Rate	84.55
100s	2
50s	19
6s	38
4s	251

Matches	35
Innings	35
Not Out	1
Runs	681
High Score	79
Average	20.02
Strike Rate	121.17
100s	0
50s	6
6s	27
4s	53

Matches	77
Innings	76
Not Out	4
Runs	1945
High Score	85
Average	27.01
Strike Rate	135.16
100s	0
50s	15
6s	86
4s	158

Matches	54
Innings	9
overs	22
Runs	118
wickets	1
bestinning	1/10
bestmatch	1/18
Average	118.00
econ	5.36
Strike Rate	132.0
4W	0
5W	0
10W	0

Kusal Mendis

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