Mathew’s ready to begin his journey
It’s not David and Goliath……just Lankan T-20 skipper chatting to Kiwi Jacob Oram (pic Amila Gamage)
Sri Lanka’s newly appointed T20 skipper Angelo Mathews speaking to reporters on Friday at the Taj Samudra in preparation for their clash against New Zealand stated that he is confident that the team provided to him by the selectors will play to their potential.
He added that he was satisfied with the well balanced team given to him, despite Lasith Malinga not playing and the non inclusion of Ajantha Mendis whom the selectors did not consider due to his injury sustained during the World cup.
Missing in the T20 squad are Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena who along with Malinga have been rested but will be in action in the ODIs.Mathew said “our approach to the one off T20 game will be same method that we used during the recently concluded World T20 tournament. But unfortunately we will be missing Ajantha Mendis who is will also miss the first three ODI matches which is scheduled to begin on November 1 at the Pallekele Stadium.
“The inclusion of 19 year old Tharindu Kaushal is another addition to the mystery spinners that we have been able to produce apart from Ajantha Mendis and Akila Dananjaya who now has gained some experience to handle tough situations at international level”.
Mathews also said “Tharindu Kaushal had a successful stint at the Under 19 World Cup and was the second highest wicket taker and it’s good to have spinners of this sort when you are playing against a non sub continent side”.
New Zealand’s all rounder Jacob Oram was optimistic saying “Our side comprises some experienced players and talented youngsters who are getting an opportunity to be a part of the New Zealand team in the future. It is left to them to grab this opportunity and perform to their ability. It’s good to see that some of them will be able to acclimatise to sub continent conditions”.
Meanwhile New Zealand has hired one of Sri Lanka’s top notch pacie Chaminda Vaas as their assistant bowling coach for the two Test matches. New Zealand coach Mike Hesson speaking to the reporters confirmed the appointment stating “we needed someone who is familiar with sub continent conditions and Vaas suited our needs. It will be a great experience for fast bowling coach Shane Bond to work with the experience of Vaas and it will also be of great help to our young bowlers.
The tour will begin with the first and only T20 encounter due to be played on Tuesday (October 30) at the Pallekele Stadium. This will be followed by the first ODI encounter on November 1 at the same venue.
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