Big blow to SL: Senior batsman out of NZ ODIs

Sri Lanka has received a big blow ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand as senior batsman Angelo Mathews has been ruled out for the series due to an injury. The all-rounder is also likely to miss the first two Tests against Australia.

Mathews injured, again

The Sri Lankan all-rounder has a history of injuries and fitness issues. However, he looked in good shape in the recent Test series against New Zealand. Courtesy of his solid rearguard innings, the visitors managed to save the first Test.

Angelo Mathews Sri Lanka's best batsmen on tour will be out for 4 weeks due to a grade 2 hamstring strain. Not the best news to start 2019. Get well soon Angie.

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) December 30, 2018

But during the second Test, he picked up a hamstring strain while batting in the second innings. Due to this, he retired hurt and didn’t bat again in the second innings.

He was sent for scans and skipper Dinesh Chandimal provided an update on his injury after the match. Chandimal stated that Angelo had a scan and it’s a grade two hamstring strain. He also made it clear that the physio said he’s out for four weeks.

Mathews injury thins Sri Lanka’s batting strength 

The senior batsman was in fine form in recent times. After being dropped from the ODI team, he made a strong statement by scoring a magnificent hundred against New Zealand in the first Test. He even did the ‘push-ups celebration’ after completing his hundred just to indicate his fitness level.

Fitness test middle of the ground?!
Angelo Mathews scored his 9th test hundred. Push-ups to celebrate his hundred while giving a message to the SLC officials #LKA #SriLanka #NZvSL #Cricket pic.twitter.com/9DKROOwE6Y

— Deltota Media Foundation (@voicedeltota) December 18, 2018

This forced the selectors to bring Mathews back in the ODI team for the series against New Zealand. His presence was crucial as he provided the experience and had the skills to negate swing bowling. But now his absence has added to the Sri Lankan team management’s troubles.

Mathews might miss Australia Tests as well 

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Chandimal explained that the Sri Lankan batsman will take four weeks to recover which means he won’t be fit for the first Test against Australia which starts on January 24th. Mathews might also miss the second Test if he takes more time to recover from injury.