Angelo Mathews is the newly appointed T20 skipper for Sri Lanka © Getty Images
Colombo: Oct 27, 2012
Sri Lanka’s T20 skipper Angelo Mathews defended the decision to rest former captain Mahela Jayawardene and fast bowler Lasith Malinga for the T20 match against New Zealand to be played at Pallekele on Tuesday.
"The selectors wanted to give these two cricketers a rest. Their absence from the team is a big loss but with the squad I have been given, I am confident we can win," said Mathews.
"Working under Mahela is a big learning curve because he is the best captain Sri Lanka has ever had. It is a privilege to be his vice-captain. The selectors thought that I was ready for it the captaincy so they gave me the job. I am excited," Matthews was quoted as saying by Sports365.
Sri Lanka will play two Tests, five One-Day Internationals and one T20 against the Kiwis.
