Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka's newly appointed Test captain, expressed full confidence in his side's batting resources ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, beginning Monday, 10 November 2026. With Pakistan reportedly preparing a greener surface to assist their pace attack, Mendis insisted his batters have both the experience and the technical tools to handle the conditions.

Confidence Drawn from England Tour

Mendis pointed to Sri Lanka's performances in England during the previous summer as evidence that his batters can cope on seam-friendly pitches. He singled out veterans Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva as key pillars of the line-up, alongside himself, in what promises to be a demanding two-match series.

'We know they will be giving a little bit different wicket. I think the batters have to manage our skills and preparation well. I know we have a very good batting line-up with some very senior players... Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, myself, and a couple of other guys. Everyone knows how to play on a green wicket. We played really well in England also, so I have no doubt in my batting line-up,' Mendis told reporters, as quoted by Cricinfo.

Mendis' First Test Captaincy Assignment

The series marks the 31-year-old's first Test captaincy assignment since taking over the leadership from Dhananjaya de Silva in early October 2026. The Sri Lankan squad has already been in Pakistan for over a month, having completed the preceding white-ball fixtures, and Mendis acknowledged that an extended hotel stay had its difficulties.

'Honestly, compared to ODIs and T20s, Test cricket is very different. I think everyone mostly likes to play Test cricket. Me as well. I'm very happy to captain in Test cricket. I think we've been staying in Pakistan for more than one month. It's not easy, sometimes we stay in the hotel and come to practice and that's it... I think it's a little bit hard to stay one month in a hotel. But we do some stuff in the team room, games and individual things (to keep ourselves entertained). Overall, we're in a very good path, and when coming to Test cricket, we have to focus on our Test game,' he said.

Bowling Unit Provides Further Encouragement

Sri Lanka are yet to win a Test in either of their two series this year — against West Indies and India — but Mendis expressed optimism about the progress of his bowling attack. The pace contingent comprises Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga, supported by all-rounder Milan Rathnayaka. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya will lead the spin department.

'We have a very balanced side, both with the bowling and batting unit. I think we've done really well in the past couple of tours in the bowling side, and same in one-day cricket — the fast-bowling attack is doing well. We have a very senior bowling unit, the guys have played so many first-class and international matches. Same in the batting, so everyone is ready for tomorrow's game,' Mendis added.

Squad Comfortable With Pakistan's Hospitality

Notably, Mendis praised the Pakistan Cricket Board for the security arrangements and the hospitality extended to the touring party throughout their stay. He drew a light-hearted parallel between the cuisine of the two nations.

'Security-wise, everybody is very happy. Food, we normally eat spicy and everything, so same like in Sri Lanka it's in Pakistan. I think everyone has had a happy stay in Pakistan,' he said.

With the first ball set to be bowled on Monday, all eyes will be on whether Sri Lanka's batting resolve can hold firm against a Pakistan pace attack on what could be a lively Rawalpindi surface.