Share

Mathews backs Sri Lankan bowling attack

Cape Town - Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews has backed his inexperienced bowling squad to do well in South Africa.

The Sri Lankans have boosted their bowling attack by calling up uncapped fast bowler Vikum Sanjaya into their squad, which sees the team heading to South Africa with a five-man pace attack.

The tourists turned to legendary Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram to mentor their local fast bowlers in preparation for the tour.

The islanders travel with an inexperienced squad, with only three players having toured South Africa before.

Mathews feels that their pace attack can do a job in South Africa but they will need to put runs on the board to stay in the game.

"It's just the bounce and the conditions that we need to get used to... we have got a fairly decent pace attack which can put them under pressure, but we need to score runs as a batting unit."

Mathews is hoping to assist his frontline bowling attack, despite coming off an injury, telling ESPNCricinfo: "I am hoping to bowl quite a lot in South Africa.

"If I can bowl a lot more the way I did in the recent few years I can offer a lot to my team. I look to try and contribute whatever way I can. Sometimes it’s not easy you might have to bowl longer spells more than usual. Injuries can occur any time but I don’t think it’s because I bowl."

The first Test against South Africa gets under way in Port Elizabeth on December 26.

Sri Lanka Test squad:

Angelo Mathews (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Vikum Sanjaya Bandara, Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.

Proteas Test squad:

TBA

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE