Kamindu equals Don Bradman as third-fastest to 1,000 runs

Sri Lanka’s most consistent batsman, Kamindu Mendis, once again came to the fore as he achieved a extraordinary milestone yesterday at the Galle Test, becoming the fastest Asian batter to score five Test centuries. Mendis touched this feat in just his 13th Test innings during the on-going match against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium.

The 25-year-old left-hander equalled the legendary Sir Don Bradman, who also reached five centuries in 13 innings. Mendis is now the joint-third fastest player globally, sharing this spot with Bradman and West Indies’ George Headley, who all reached this mark in 13 innings.

Kamindu’s achievement also broke Pakistan’s Fawad Alam’s record for the fastest Asian to five Test centuries, which was previously set in 22 innings. Mendis has surpassed Sri Lankan legend Aravinda de Silva, who took 38 innings to reach the same mark.

Previously, only two players, Everton Weekes (10 innings) of the West Indies and Herbert Sutcliffe (12 innings) of England, achieved the milestone of 1,000 runs faster than Mendis.