Cricket: No room for mistakes, says Angelo Mathews

Despite the fielding mistakes that he said cost his side the warm-up game, the Sri Lanka captain was satisfied with the performance.
 
Sri Lanka posted 318 for 7 in 50 overs in its ICC Champions Trophy warm-up match against Australia on Friday (May 26) at The Oval. 

However, following a strong batting performance by Aaron Finch and Travis Head, Angelo Mathews, the Sri Lanka captain, found his team on the losing side. 

Mathews rued the fielding mistakes that he believed cost Sri Lanka the game, but was overall satisfied with the warm-up. 

“The wicket was a bit juicy early on, it was tough conditions to bat on, but I thought the batters [did] really well,” he said. “(Chamara) Kapugedera, and Asela Gunaratne put up a really good partnership with myself, so it was a good batting performance.  

“Once again it was nice and flat when the bowlers were bowling, so it was a good challenge for us. I thought the bowlers bowled brilliantly as well.” 

Gunaratne, the 31-year-old all-rounder, came in for particular praise from his captain. 

His unbeaten 70 came off 56 balls, only adding to his reputation as a big-hitter. 

Earlier this year in Australia, he made 140 in three T20 Internationals, with a highest of 84 not out, to lead his side to a series win. 

“He’s just an unbelievable player. He hasn’t played a lot of international cricket, but he’s very well-equipped. He’s played a lot of domestic games. He’s a wily old campaigner for us. We look forward to having him in the team and expect him to do well.”  

Looking ahead to the tournament, the format allows for no hiccups, Mathews cautioned.

“The team who does fewer mistakes on that particular day comes out winners, and that’s what we’re looking to do: less mistakes and try to be positive.” 

Sri Lanka opens its Champions Trophy against South Africa at The Oval on June 3 while Australia takes on New Zealand the day prior in Birmingham.