Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews declared fit for the Indian tie

Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews was ruled out of the opening game against one of the firm favourites South Africa, with a calf injury. Mathews has not played a One-Day International from January, with an injury ruling him out till April. The all-rounder played for the franchise Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League where he seemed an ineffective option for the team.

After being ruled out of the opening encounter, a lot of doubts were raised over Mathews’ availability with his form being of prime concern to the Island nation. Upul Tharanga replaced him as the captain and led the side in his absence, where he was very ordinary with both the bat and as well as in the field as a skipper of Sri Lanka.

Following the game against the Proteas Tharanga had said, “We’re going to look at him tomorrow morning as well, so the final decision will be then,”

Tough task ahead

It is now almost but confirmed that Mathews will play in the match against the defending champions India in their next encounter on the 8th of June. Though he has been declared fit for the game his calf still remains a worry. Taking on Team India who beat Pakistan by a huge 142 runs margin Sri Lanka will want all their best resources to be available and in a deliverable state.

In their last match, the Lankans were pretty ordinary against AB de Villiers & Co. The South African team put up a dominant display, with the bowlers and batsmen making merry of the Sri Lankan attack in either department.

Angelo Mathews’ inclusion would be vital for the Sri Lankan team in their pursuit to qualify for the next round of the Champions Trophy and for them to do that, it’s a must-win encounter.