Share

Sri Lanka drops Mathews from Tests

Colombo - Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews was Saturday ruled out of next month's two-Test home series against Bangladesh as selectors prepared to field a "formidable team".

The 29-year-old all-rounder, however, was "likely to be available" for the three one-day internationals and the two Twenty20 matches of the series starting with the first Test on March 7 at Galle, the Sri Lankan cricket board said in a statement.

"The National Selections Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket is set to meet on Tuesday to decide on a formidable team that would play the first two Test matches.

"Accordingly, it has been announced that Angelo Mathews will not be able to play the first two test matches," the board said.

It did not say why Mathews was dropped from the Test squad, but he returned home last month half way through the South African tour after twisting his ankle.

Under his leadership, Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 Test series whitewash against South Africa.

He was also left out of the just concluded three-match T20 series Sri Lanka won 2-1 against Australia.

"Despite his absence, the selections committee is confident that the lessons learnt from the South African series will help in putting together a formidable young team to take on the first two matches against the Bangladesh team," the board said.

Sri Lanka has a good record at home and beat Australia 3-0 in the last series that they hosted in August 2016.

Bangladesh by contrast have only won three of their Test matches on the road since gaining full status 17 years ago although they have shown recent signs of improvement and beat England in a home Test late last year.

The last series between the two sides in Sri Lanka in 2014 saw the hosts win one of the Tests by 248 runs while the second was a draw.

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!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 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