Angelo Mathews blames entire team for the slow over rate against South Africa

Sri Lanka’s captain Angelo Mathews, who is suffering from a calf strain has said that his team’s over-rate in their opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 on Saturday was “pathetic”. It took the Islanders close to four hours and seven minutes to finish the 50 overs whereas as per rules, the team has to complete an innings in three and half hours. Upul Tharanga was the stand-in captain for the injured Mathews and he was suspended for two games apart from being heavily fined.

The rest of the team was also fined a part of their match fee. Frustrated with what happened, Mathews called it “pathetic’. He blamed the whole team for it, and the captain alone cannot be blamed for this, he said. First, the team lost the captain to injury, and then the stand-in captain to over rate. It is a difficult time for Sri Lanka.

“That was pathetic. No excuse at all,” Mathews told Cricbuzz. “The whole team is responsible. Whoever the captain is, we have to back him and try and support him. The captain has to do so many other stuff. All the 11 guys must back him and support him,” Mathews added.

Upul’s absence huge setback 

He further lamented the fact that the team’s chances in the tournament would be severely hampered by the absence of the player that Upul is. He batted very well against South Africa and his absence will be felt, said Mathews.

“We have addressed the issue of finishing off the overs on time in the past as well, but it cropped up again. It’s so unfortunate to see Upul going out as he is a crucial player in our set-up. He batted well against South Africa and it’s so unfortunate. This can’t happen again,” Mathews further said.

Defeat to South Africa in the opening game means that Sri Lanka have to win their remaining two games against India and Pakistan to stand a chance to qualify for the semi-finals.