Angelo Mathews displays optimism ahead of test series
Apr 6, 2019 at 2:19 PM
There is no better opportunity for the Sri Lankan youngsters to prove their caliber at the highest level. Going into the test series against England away from home, it is a no-brainer to state that the visitors are bound to be under massive pressure. The last time Sri Lanka toured England, they had the services of two undoubted legends of the game in Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
However, with the batting duo retiring, the onus is now on Sri Lanka’s next generation to perform and lead from the front. The likes of Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews have already had sparkles in their career. A daunting tour of England would be a massive test of a side that has constantly underperformed in the last 18 months.
Ahead of the test series, Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews sounded optimistic and was excited about the prospects. “We’ve got lots of new players, but also 7 or 8 who were there on the 2014 tour. We’ve got a fearless set of players who are willing to take the English on,” Mathews said. “We all know that you can’t get comfortable in England straightaway,” Mathews said. “You’ve got to work your way through, so experience also counts. We’ve got so many guys who are touring England for the first time with the national team.”
Sri Lanka have already suffered a setback as pace spearhead Dhamikka Prasad has been ruled out of the first test at Leeds. “Prasad’s injury is a setback for us,” Mathews said. “He’s our premier fast bowler. He’s performed well against England here at the same venue. He’ll be a big loss. Hopefully, he can be ready and fit for the second Test.”