Mathews’ men looking to turn back the pages
View(s):
Let's get reconnected: Kusal Mendis makes his way in again to the main team - Pic by Amila Gamage
As Sri Lanka cricketers left last morning for their maiden tour of the new year, the islanders will be hoping to leave behind the demons of a ghastly memory of 2017 when they take on hosts Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in a tri-series starting on Sunday.
Sri Lanka managed four Test wins out of 11, four ODI wins out of 26 and five out of 16 T20I during the year as on and off-field controversies marred Sri Lanka’s performances across all formats.
The year also saw the resignation of head coach Graham Ford, skipper Angelo Mathews and also the national selection committee led by Sanath Jayasuriya all adding to the turmoil.
However, the team looked much settled since the arrival of Chandika Hathurusingha as head coach who in turned convinced Mathews to return as limited over skipper.
“Let’s take one series at a time. We certainly can put things back on track,” Mathews told reporters in Colombo on the eve of team’s departure to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh was trained by Hathurusingha before he decamped to his home side in December has been a formidable side particularly in the limited over formats at home. They are ranked number seven in ODI cricket one place above the Sri Lankans.
“It is going to be a challenge playing Bangladesh in their conditions. They have only lost one series in recent times. They have won against best teams and are a formidable opponents at home. We have got a balanced team and we hope to do well,” Mathews added.
Sri Lanka squad which was named this week will see the return of Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis in the side. Chandimal has been a prolific scorer in Tests cricket during the previous year but was not considered for last ODI series against India due to poor run rate with the bat against Pakistan. Kusal Mendis played no part in the Indian series following a disappointing run across all formats against Pakistan.
“We know what quality players they are and I am very excited to have them back in the side,” Mathews said.
Mathews who is returning to the side after a hamstring injury will not bowl during the series.
“The first few games I will not be bowling. But we will play it by the ear. Looking forward to do some bowling at some stage. Fitness is going good, I am trying to look after my body,” Mathews explained.
Sri Lanka squad also see the presence of uncapped seamer Shehan Madushanka who is capable of touching the 140kpmh mark regularly.
Sri Lanka’s first game of the series will be on 17th January against Zimbabwe.
Squad:
Angelo Mathews (capt), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Shehan Madushanka, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Wanindu Hasaranga.