In a compelling turn of events, Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad has witnessed a significant alteration. Angelo Mathews, the seasoned all-rounder, has been called back into the squad to replace the injured Matheesha Pathirana. This strategic change was approved by the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, as per the official statement by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Angelo Mathews has replaced Matheesha Pathirana in Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad. pic.twitter.com/lSpSWbFf5C
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 24, 2023
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Mathews Steps In
Matheesha Pathirana’s untimely shoulder injury during a warm-up match forced him to exit the tournament prematurely. Despite the extensive rehabilitation efforts, Pathirana was unable to recover in time, leaving Sri Lanka in desperate need of a replacement. Angelo Mathews, with a rich history of 221 ODIs for Sri Lanka, was the natural choice to fill this void.
Mathews’ Stellar Career
Mathews, aged 36, brings with him a wealth of experience to bolster Sri Lanka’s campaign. With 5865 runs to his name, including three centuries and 40 fifties, he’s a formidable presence with the bat. His all-round skills extend to his 120 wickets in ODIs, showcasing his versatility. This marks his fourth appearance in the World Cup, harking back to his debut in the 2011 edition.
A Twist in the Tale
What makes Mathews’ return even more intriguing is his initial exclusion from Sri Lanka’s original World Cup squad. He was, however, brought back as a travelling reserve along with fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera. This saga of replacements has become emblematic of Sri Lanka’s World Cup journey, having lost their captain, Dasun Shanaka, earlier due to a quadriceps tear. Chamika Karunaratne has since taken Shanaka’s place, and Kusal Mendis has been appointed captain in his absence.
Sri Lanka’s Challenging Journey
Sri Lanka’s campaign in the World Cup has been anything but smooth sailing. They had to cope with the absence of key players like Wanindu Hasaranga and captain Dasun Shanaka due to injuries even before the tournament began. The inclusion of Angelo Mathews signifies a proactive approach, emphasizing the need for a strong and experienced lineup in the face of adversity.
A Glimpse of Mathews’ Legacy
Angelo Mathews, who boasts a phenomenal average of 41 in ODIs, has demonstrated his prowess on the cricketing stage. His impressive tally of 40 half-centuries and 3 centuries showcases his ability to anchor innings effectively. As a bowler, he has clinched 120 wickets, with a personal best of 6/20, contributing to Sri Lanka’s bowling prowess.
Sri Lanka’s Hopes
With Mathews’ reentry into the squad, Sri Lanka aims to regain their footing in the tournament and make the most of their remaining matches. As they stand ninth on the points table after winning just one out of four games, they need a formidable lineup to face the upcoming challenges.
In a tournament marked by unforeseen twists, Angelo Mathews’ return to the squad injects a sense of experience and composure, which might be just what Sri Lanka needs to navigate through the tough waters of the Cricket World Cup 2023.
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