Is Kamindu Mendis The New-Age Don Bradman? Statistical Study Explains

Mendis slammed a brilliant 100 Vs NZ [@Sri Lanka Cricket/X]Mendis slammed a brilliant 100 Vs NZ [@Sri Lanka Cricket/X]

Kamindu Mendis could well be the reincarnaton of Sir Donald Bradman, and there is a reason we are saying this. From a relatively unknown commodity, last year, to becoming the best Test batter in 2024, Mendis has come a long way in whites.

In a short span of time, Mendis has broken several records, and now etches closer to achieve immortality as he chases Don Bradman. After the retirement of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka struggled to find a reliable middle-order batter, but their prayers were answered with the inclusion of Mendis in the side.

Mendis sits on top of the pile alongside Bradman

Players
Runs
Average
Don Bradman119699.96
Kamindu Mendis963*87.54

In just 13 innings, the Sri Lankan batter has amassed 963 runs, and still counting (as he is still batting against New Zealand). Meanwhile, in the same number of innings, Bradman had 1196 runs, and had the equal number of centuries as Mendis (5).

However, there is a reason why we are saying that Mendis is the new Bradman of Test cricket. In 13 innings, Bradman had a staggering average of 99.96, and Mendis, currently has an average of 87.54. Interestingly, nobody in the current or past era comes close to Mendis and Bradman in terms of average after 13 innings.

The next best Test average after Bradman and Mendis comes for Australia's Adam Voges, who played 20 Tests, and had an average of 61.87. This shows the class Mendis has, as he sits alongside the great Bradman. Mendis certainly hasn't played as much as Bradman, but he is on the path to eclisping Bradman's greatness.

Mendis shatters multiple records, equals Bradman

In the ongoing Test series vs New Zealand, Mendis has broken multiple records. He became the fastest Asian batter (13 innings) to reach the landmark of 5 Test tons, and interestingly, Bradman had also achieved the same feat inside 13 innings.

Also, Mendis became the first-ever player to slam fifty-plus scores in eight consecutive Test matches, a feat he bagged on Thursday, on Day 1 of the second Test match.