Kusal Mendis has already replaced me: Kumar Sangakkara

21-year-old Kusal Mendis grabbed headlines today with his majestic match-saving knock of 169* in the 3rd innings of the 1st against Australia at Pallekele. The fantastic century has made everyone go in awe of him. Pundits and fans now feel that the young man from Colombo is a worthy successor to the former Sri Lankan batting legend Kumar Sangakkara.

But, there may be an argument that it’s probably too early to judge Mendis; that too after just one knock. However, looks like such argument or debate may never occur as Sanga himself states that the Lankans have found the next batting mainstay.

Recently a Twitter user asked Sangakkara his views about Mendis and whether if he thinks that he’s worthy of replacing him.

Sanga had a very simple and exciting reply to the query. He said – He has already replaced me.

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This word’s from the legend look more than enough to recognise the sort of belief Sri Lankan has in Mendis.

@KumarSanga2 What do u think of @KusalMendis1 knock today?? Can he replace you?

— Rafee Kaleel (@mkmrafee) July 28, 2016

@mkmrafee @KusalMendis1 he has already replaced me.

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) July 28, 2016

Mendis put Australia on the back foot on day three with the help of his wonderful century. The Lankans had a terrible time with the bat in the first innings and were trailing by 80 runs at the end of day two.

Things did not start well for the hosts in the morning of day three as well as they lost their top order cheaply. However, the young man played a very sensible knock and with the support of Dinesh Chandimal and Dhanajaya de Silva took Sri Lanka to safety.

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