(This post was last modified: 04-04-2021, 02:08 AM by pj57.)
(04-04-2021, 01:09 AM)Randy Wrote:(04-02-2021, 08:07 PM)pj57 Wrote: We all know our batsmen haven't been performing consistently since 2015 after Sanga, Mahela and Dishan retired in quick succession. That said, Mendis has been very poor against the top teams averaging just 17 in the first innings batting at the vital position of number three. That puts great pressure on the rest of the batting lineup.
So? why don't u talk about his 4th inns average?
you just highlight numbers in your favor, to support your argument.
By talking of just the 4th innings average, aren't you highlighting numbers in your favor to support your argument Forget statistics of each innings, his overall average against top teams is a poor 29.48. That is well below where a good #3 batsman with nearly 100 test innings should be.
As followers of cricket, we know the first innings of a team is the most important innings, that is where the match is set up for the ultimate result on most occasions. Scoring runs in the 2nd innings is not as important or less important if the team has set up a good first innings total. Has any of Mendis 4th innings led us to winning a match, except for the unbeaten 84 against SA. He has to average at least above 35 at #3 in the first innings to be classified as making a useful contribution to the team....that's the minimum.