Wisden overview
A strong, stocky, wristy right-hander of exceptional talent, Duleep Mendis was vice-captain in Sri Lanka's early Tests. A fine fielder, he could also bowl medium-pace and keep wicket when required. After a shaky start to his official Test career, he hit 105 in both innings against India at Madras 1982-83, and nearly repeated the feat two years later against England at Lord's, with 111 and 94. That hundred took only 112 balls, and included three majestic pulls for six off Ian Botham -- all in light the umpires considered unfit. He led Sri Lanka by example to their first Test and series win over India in 1985-86, topping the averages with 310 runs at an average of 62.00. Christopher Martin-Jenkins Adapted by Wisden from World Cricketers: A Biographical Dictionary (Oxford, 1996).

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