Mathews is ready for his first challenge as captain

Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Twenty20 captain Angelo Mathews has revealed that he is unfazed by the criticism about his batting ahead of the one-off Twenty20 International against New Zealand.

Mathews noted that the criticisms about his power shots were solely the opinion of chief selector Ashantha de Mel, and added that he would continue to ignore it.

“People have different opinions and they shouldn’t get into me,” Mathews said.

Mathews was named as the new captain after veteran batsman Mahela Jayawardene stepped down at the end of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20, in which Sri Lanka lost in the finals to the West Indies.

Pace bowler Lasith Malinga was named as the new vice-captain of the Twenty20 team and is expected to help Mathews with death bowling decisions.

Mathews also mentioned that he was excited to finally get the opportunity to lead his country after spending 18 months as vice-captain under Jayawardene.