Kusal Mendis backs senior batters ahead of first Test as captain

Kusal Mendis has expressed confidence in Sri Lanka's batting line-up as he prepares to lead the side for the first time in Test cricket, with the opening match against Pakistan due to begin in Rawalpindi on Monday.

Pakistan are expected to prepare a greener surface to suit their pace attack, but Mendis believes his senior players have the technique to cope, pointing to the experience of Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva alongside himself, according to Yahoo Sports.

The Sri Lanka captain argued that his batters' recent exposure to English conditions had left them well equipped to face similar challenges in Pakistan, saying simply: "I have no doubt in my batting line-up," as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

The Rawalpindi Test represents Mendis' first assignment in charge after he succeeded Dhananjaya de Silva as Test captain in early October. The 31-year-old said he was relishing the responsibility of leading the side in the longest format, even though he found Test cricket to carry different demands from white-ball assignments.

Sri Lanka's tour has already stretched beyond a month, with the squad having arrived in Pakistan for white-ball fixtures before the Test series. Mendis acknowledged the extended stay, shuttling largely between hotels and practice sessions, had tested the players, though the group had used team activities and individual routines to stay occupied and sharp heading into the opening Test.

Sri Lanka have not won a Test this year, having come through series against West Indies and India without a victory, but Mendis pointed to the bowling unit's broader form as a source of encouragement. He highlighted that the pace contingent had performed consistently across formats and had the international and first-class experience to handle Test-match demands.

The fast-bowling group available to Mendis includes Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga, with all-rounder Milan Rathnayake also in the mix, while left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya heads the spin attack. Mendis described the squad as balanced across both disciplines and said the players were ready heading into the series opener.

Mendis also used the pre-match media session to praise the Pakistan Cricket Board's handling of his squad's extended stay, citing strong security arrangements and food that he felt closely resembled Sri Lankan cuisine, adding that the touring party had settled comfortably during their time in the country.

Sri Lanka's first Test assignment under Mendis begins in Rawalpindi on Monday, with the series offering an early test of his captaincy and a chance to end the side's winless run in the format this year.