No swansong for Matthews as Sri Lanka opt for youth at World Cup – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor)
Sri Lanka Cricket have done away with emotional sentiment and ruled out a swansong for former Skipper Angelo Matthews and perhaps Dinesh Chandimal, opting for youth, at the upcoming World Cup in India.
It was rumoured earlier that Matthews was a consideration for his experience and 40 plus percent batting average. He doubles up as a handy all-rounder with the ball.
Matthews is expected to bring the curtain down on a memorable career which has given Sri Lanka’s fans and Cricket fans around the world many reasons to cheer when he was on top of his game.
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Sri Lanka have also ruled out strike weapons Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasarsnga De Silva who have not shown improvement to their injuries.
It opens the door for youngsters Dinuth Wellelage and Matheesha Pathirana to fill in the voids while the rest of the squad that left for India remains the same that did duty in tha Asia Cup where they reached the final.
Dasun Shanaka’s team was given a rousing send off as they headed for India with the aim of making an impression in a tournament they have gained tremendous success and respect in the past.
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Sri Lanka begin their campaign with warm up games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan before the World Cup proper.
Sri Lanka take on South Africa in the opener in Delhi on October 7, then Pakistan on October 10 in Hyderabad and Australia on October 14 in Lucknow in a massive test of their standing in the tournament.
What will be of particular interest will be the wickets the Indian curators produce for the tournament.
India have the goods to exploit and counter any surface and are favourites to win at home again similar to 2011 where they snatched a thriller against Sri Lanka.
