ENG vs SL: Top three performers from Test series 2024

England defeated Sri Lanka 2-1 in the three-match Test series. In the absence of skipper Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope led the side in the series and England won the first two games in Old Trafford and Lord’s, before suffering a crushing defeat in Kennington Oval. They lacked experience in the bowling unit, which is one area that the team management needs to address ahead of their prestige fight against Australia in 2025.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will not be too disappointed with their performance. They have fought well in the series and the win in the third Test should give the Dhananjaya de Silva-led side plenty of confidence going forward. England, on the other hand, would be unhappy with the defeat in the third Test but in reality, they need to address certain key areas. 

There were multiple positives for them as well but keeping the Australia tour in mind, the team management can think of making some important changes.

Here is a list of top three players from the three-match Test series:

3. Kamindu Mendis

Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has been terrific in the three-match Test series. He was arguably Sri Lanka’s best player in the series as the youngster made 267 runs in three matches at an average of 53.40. He had done well in the series against Bangladesh earlier in the year, which helped Mendis earn a call-up for the England tour.

The condition in England is never easy for a sub-continent player but Mendis made it look very easy. In the first Test of the series, the 25-year-old hit a cracking century and in the second match, he made 74 runs in the first innings. In the third Test, when Sri Lanka were under some pressure, he built a crucial partnership with captain Dhanajaya and made 64 runs.

Sri Lanka’s interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya was extremely happy with Mendis’ progress and stated that the team management is considering prompting him to number four or five. However, a decision will be taken before Sri Lanka’s next Test series, which is against New Zealand.