Injured Mathews likely to miss second Test
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Allrounder Angelo Mathews remains doubtful for the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai with the former skipper yet to complete his rehabilitation program.
Mathews was ruled out of the first Test which is currently in progress in Abu Dhabi with a calf strain he sustained during training. However, he was expected to be available for the second test as it was only a minor strain.
“I don’t think I can make it to the second Test,” Mathews said. “Last week wasn’t that great. I have to get through the rehabilitation program before facing a fitness test.
The second Test, a day-night match will start on October 6 in Dubai.
Mathews has had a history of injuries, particularly during the last 12 months. In January he injured his hamstring during
Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa and did not play international cricket again until June.
Given the recurrence of injuries, his workload has now been substantially reduced. In Tests, Mathews now plays as a specialist batsman and only bowls few overs in ODI’s.
After the two Test matches, Sri Lanka will play five ODIs and three T20Is against Pakistan before heading to India for a full series.