Published: Jun 01, 2017, 08:15 AM (IST)
Edited: Jun 01, 2017, 11:17 AM (IST)
Ahead of the opener against South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England, Sri Lanka received some worrying news about skipper Angelo Mathews‘ reoccurring injury. Mathews is all set to miss the clash against the Proteas due to a hamstring injury. Mathews missed most of Sri Lanka’s cricketing season from starting January due to the same issue. Under Mathews’s absence vice-captain Upul Tharanga is likely to lead Sri Lanka. CT 2017: ‘We’re getting better too,’ Mortaza warns England ahead of tournament opener
Mathews had earlier missed Zimbabwean Tri-Nation series due to multiple injuries to his leg. “Mathews had complained of stiffness and pain, prompting the team management to conduct radiographic investigations, which revealed a strain on the muscle,” stated Sri Lanka Cricket press release.
Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews likely to miss the South Africa match due to hamstring injury. #SriLanka #LKA #CT17
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) May 31, 2017
It further added, “He will engage in supervised recovery over the next few days but will most likely sit out the first group stage match.” Mathews featured in just one of Sri Lanka’s warm-up matches ahead of the main tournament. He looked in great batting nick against Australia, striking a 106-ball 95. He was rested in their second warm-up against New Zealand. Still only 29, Mathews is one of the veteran leaders in the Sri Lanka team, and was part of the side that beat England 3-2 in a One-Day International series back in 2014.
Sri Lanka and South Africa have only twice clashed in England in an ODI previously. Each side has one win under their belt heading into Saturday.
