CT 2017: Mathews doubtful for Champions Trophy opener

Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews will most probably miss their Champions Trophy opening match against South Africa due to a calf injury. 

Mathews returned to the Sri Lanka side after being rested since January due to a hamstring injury and the side will be led by deputy skipper Upul Tharanga, who led the team in absence of the regular leader. 

"Mathews who returned to lead the side in their Champions Trophy campaign after a hiatus of several months had complained of stiffness and pain, prompting the Team management to conduct radiographic investigations which revealed a strain on the muscle," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) stated.

"Following the hamstring injury sustained last year, Mathews was on a strict regimen of supervised rest and recovery, which saw him declared match fit well in time to lead the side at a six-day intensive residential training and conditioning camp in Pallakelle prior to their departure to the UK," it further stated.

Mathews made 95 in a keenly fought warm-up against Australia on May 26 with Australia winning in the last over despite some impressive bowling from the Sri Lankans.

"Mathews will engage in supervised recovery over the next few days but will most likely sit out the first group stage match against South Africa on Saturday (3)," the SLC release stated.