SL v AUS | Kusal Mendis fit to play in the 4th ODI

Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis has recovered from the cramps he suffered during the third One-day International against Australia. The southpaw has now been picked for the forthcoming 4th fixture, which will take place on Tuesday, June 21.

Mendis, along with opener Pathum Nissanka, were the torchbearers for the home side in the last game, paving the way for the Lankans to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

The duo added 213 runs for the second wicket to break the Sri Lankan record for most runs scored in a second wicket partnership against the Australians.

Mendis, who has been in scintillating form, having scored 209 runs in 3 games at an average of 104.5 and a strike rate of 98.12 with two 50+ scores this series, scored 87 off 85 deliveries with the help of eight fours before he was forced to retire hurt due to serious cramps. 

However, the southpaw’s recovery was swift, and with him becoming a first-time father, he is fully motivated to put in another good performance and help his side win their first bilateral ODI series against Australia since 1992.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka realises the importance of the 4th ODI as his team is on the cusp of a ground-breaking feat against Australia, whom he described as 'one of the best sides in the world'.

"It is a great chance for this team to pull out a series win,” Shanaka said. "It was 1992 the last time we beat Australia in a bilateral ODI series at home. They are one of the best sides in the world, and we hope we can take the next step," added Shanaka. 

Meanwhile, Australia has added Test skipper and veteran seamer Pat Cummins to their playing XI for the all-important ODI. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has added more potency to their spin-attack with the inclusion of Wanindu Hasaranga in place of an injured seamer, Dusmantha Chameera.