The former Sri Lanka captain, Angelo Mathews is all set to perform the role of an all-rounder in the upcoming ODI series against India, as he has been cleared to bowl. The news was confirmed by the Chairman of Selectors, Sanath Jayasuriya himself.

Though he also cleared the fact that they are not expecting Mathews to complete his quota of 10 overs,

“It’s a big relief that Angelo will be able to bowl for us again. We have to manage him carefully and he is at the moment not ready to bowl full quota of ten overs, but he will certainly be able to bowl five to six overs. That’s a big plus point for us as it helps us to balance the side.” Jayasuriya told Cricbuzz.

(Read Here: R Ashwin To Play County Cricket)

It has come as a big relief for the Sri Lankan team, as there was a time during the Test series where they were in need of an additional second pacer in the game but Mathews was not an option, despite being there on the field. It happened in the second Test when Nuwan Pradeep walked off the field due to a hamstring injury and incidentally, he was the only main pacer in the line-up.

Had Mathews been cleared to bowl at that time, Sri Lankan team would have hope for a better performance.

In the upcoming limited-overs series, experienced pacer Lasith Malinga will himself lead the pace line-up. Vishwa Fernando will assist him and Mathews, of course, will be the key due to the experience he possesses.

The limited-over series between India and Sri Lanka starts from August 20, with the first ODI to be played at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. Four ODIs and one T20I will follow, which will also mark an end to India’s tour of Sri Lanka. After a period of two months, Sri Lanka will travel to India for a full fledged series against the hosts. It is to be noted that India will again tour Sri Lanka for Independence Cup in the first quarter of 2018 and again, Sri Lanka will come back to India to participate in Asia Cup.

(Read Here: Ab de Villiers Might Play BBL)

(Read Here: What Is ‘Yo-Yo’ Test)