3 Kumar Sangakkara records Kamindu Mendis can break in Test cricket

Sri Lankan sensation Kamindu Mendis' assault on the cricketing record books continued on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand at Galle. Mendis entered rarefied air with his unbeaten 182 - his fifth Test century in only 13 innings.

The southpaw equaled the one and only Sir Donald Bradman for the third-fastest to 1,000 Test runs (13 innings), with only England’s Herbert Sutcliffe and the West Indies' Everton Weekes reaching the landmark faster (12 innings). Furthermore, a fifth century in only 13 innings leveled him with Bradman and West Indian George Headley for the joint-fourth fastest to five Test tons.

It was also an eighth 50+ score in as many Tests as Mendis is still to go a Test match without at least scoring a half-century.

Such an incredible start to his Test career had even Sri Lanka's greatest batter Kumar Sangakkara taking to his X handle and posting:

"Kamindu Mendis - becoming of greatness."

Sangakkara himself was no stranger to records during his illustrious decade-and-a-half Test career, finishing with 12,400 runs at a stunning average of 54.19 in 134 outings.

While it may be premature to start talking about Kamindu Mendis and Kumar Sangakkara in the same breath, the former looks on course at his trajectory to dethrone some of Sangakkara's cherished records.

Among many, here are three Kumar Sangakkara records that Kamindu Mendis can break in Test cricket.

#1 Fastest to 10,000 Test runs

Sangakkara was the fastest to several batting milestones in Tests [Credit: Getty]

Kumar Sangakkara was the joint-fastest with Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara to the historic 10,000 Test runs, reaching the milestone in only 195 innings. Yet, it is worth remembering that Sangakkara took almost a year after his debut at 23 to even score his first Test century.

Meanwhile, Mendis has skyrocketed to four figures in career Test runs at 25 in only 13 Tests. With the tendency to score big runs, evidenced by two 150+ scores in his 13 innings, and incredible consistency, the southpaw can certainly make a run at being the fastest to 10,000 Test runs.

What's more, Mendis has already shown the ability to score against all types of bowling across conditions. He smashed England at their den for 297 runs at an average of over 53 in the recent three-Test series.

Also worth noting is the fact that Mendis has achieved such improbable numbers predominantly batting at No.7 until the ongoing New Zealand series. He is only likely to get more opportunities to score big runs at No.5 and above should he continue on this path.

Apart from 10,000, Sangakkara is also the fastest-ever to 9,000, 11,000, and 12,000 Test runs - records Mendis can target in the next few years.

#2 Most Test runs and centuries by a Sri Lankan batter

Kumar Sangakkara is the holder of several Sri Lankan Test batting records, none more celebrated as the most runs and centuries of all time. The now-46-year-old finished his illustrious career with 12,400 runs and 38 centuries - both of which remain the most by a Sri Lankan batter.

Considering Mendis has ticked off 1,000 runs and five centuries in only eight Tests when Sangakkara was on 488 runs with no centuries at the same point, there is no reason why the former cannot finish with more runs or 100s at the end of his career.

Mendis has also shown the hunger to score big back-to-back with four 50+ scores to start his Test career and two centuries in his last three innings. Such hot streaks at different times in his potentially lengthy career will enable the southpaw track Sangakkara's runs and centuries tallies even if he has a few rough moments.

#3 Most half-centuries in consecutive innings

Mendis has already made raising his bat for 50s and 100s a habit [Credit: Getty]

While the first two records have more to do with longevity and consistency, this one involves how much Kamindu Mendis can make out of his purple patches in his career.

Sangakkara is the joint record holder for most consecutive innings with at least a half-century - seven. The legendary batter achieved the feat between January to June 2014 across four Tests - a stretch that also included his highest Test score of 319 and two other centuries.

As challenging as the record looks, considering one low score means a do-over, Mendis has shown the tendency to rile up consecutive big scores in a still-young career. The 25-year-old started his career with four consecutive 50+ scores despite batting at No.6 to No.8 and has enjoyed back-to-back 50+ scores twice since.

Now that he is batting higher up the order at No.5 with the possibility of moving further up in the years to come, the unique record of Sangakkara's could be within Mendis' reach.