Angelo Mathews will not feature in Sri Lanka’s ODI series against England

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have confirmed that all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been omitted from the squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against England, which begins on October 10.

It has earlier been reported that Mathews was dropped for the series due to fitness concerns.

Mathews may have Sri Lanka’s best ODI average over the past two years for batsmen that have scored at least 500 runs, but head coach Chandika Hathurusingha indicated that his dismal ability to run between the wickets was the reason why he was removed from the ODI team.

Hathurusingha and the national selectors also felt that Mathews lacked the “cricket fitness” necessary to field for 50 overs.

Meanwhile, batsman Kusal Mendis and pace bowler Suranga Lakmal were also left out of the side.

However, seamer Nuwan Pradeep, who has recovered from an injury, and wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella, who was initially left out of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup squad, made the cut.

Sri Lanka’s five-match ODI series against England begins on October 10 in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka’s ODI Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Upul Tharanga, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga, Amila Aponso, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha