Cricket-De Silva hails Kamindu influence

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - First Test - England v Sri Lanka - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - August 24, 2024 Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis in action Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith/File Photo

(Reuters) - Sri Lanka captain Dhanajaya de Silva said Kamindu Mendis had significantly strengthened his team's middle-order batting following their 2-0 series sweep of New Zealand on Sunday.

Kamindu made the fifth century of his fledgling career on Friday with an unbeaten 182, allowing Sri Lanka to declare their first innings on 602-5 and set up an innings victory in the second test.