A tale of 'identical' hundreds in a Test match

NEW DELHI: Former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Duleep Mendis etched his name into Test cricket history with a rare feat—scoring identical centuries in both innings of a Test match. Facing Sunil Gavaskar's India in September 1982 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Madras (now Chennai), Mendis scored 105 runs in the first innings.Remarkably, Mendis mirrored his first innings effort by scoring exactly 105 again in the second innings. This unique achievement made him the first, and still the only, batter in Test cricket to score identical hundreds in both innings of the same match.Though the match ended in a draw, Mendis' twin centuries stood out as the defining moment. His feat not only showcased his individual brilliance but also became a historic milestone in the sport.Mendis played 24 Tests for Sri Lanka between 1975 and 1989, accumulating 1,329 runs at an average of 31.64. He scored four centuries and eight fifties in his Test career.Mendis made a name for himself through his bold batting style and captaincy skills. As a wicketkeeper-batsman represented Sri Lanka in 79 One Day Internationals, amassing 1527 runs at an average of 23.49, which included seven scores of fifty or more. A strong and burly batsman, capable of destroying attacks at any level, Mendis played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's formative years on the international cricket stage.Sri Lanka’s tour of India included just one Test and three ODIs. While the Test ended in a stalemate, Kapil Dev's India swept the ODI series 3-0, leaving Mendis' dual centuries as the tour’s most memorable highlight.After his playing career, Mendis ventured into coaching and administrative roles, making substantial contributions to the growth and progress of cricket in Sri Lanka beyond the boundary ropes.