“I always wanted to play for my team and country and I hope to return to the National side to focus on next year’s World Cup said former National Skipper Angelo Mathews who is presently leading the Colombo Stars team in the LPL cricket tournament. Mathews the most senior Sri Lanka player in this LPL is a regular member of the National Test team.”
Mathews began his international career with ambitions of becoming a genuine allrounder, but gave priority to his batting, effectively playing as a specialist batter in the Test side, providing solidity to the -middle order. Against Pakistan in December 2013, he batted for seven and a half hours to make an unbeaten 157 (having already scored 91 in the first innings) and saved a Test in Abu Dhabi. His ability as an all rounder paved the way to ensure his place.
The former St Joseph’s and Colts CC skipper has vast experience in all three formats of the game.
The way he batted during the game against Jaffna Kings last Monday once again reminded cricket lovers of his ability. He can bat at any position and bowl and field anywhere. He is a good game finisher and most of the time he is the hero of the team.
The 35 year old right hander has many strokes all round the wicket.”I always adjust to bat on the requirements of the team. That’s why I opened the batting in some matches at this LPL. However experienced all rounder Ravi Bopara was ill and I had to come as a middle order batter and newcomer Nishan Madushka came as opener with Niroshan Dickwella said skipper Mathews. I am very happy the way I batted today but finally we couldn’t win the game against Jaffna Kings. If we got good support from the top order we had a good chance to beat Jaffna but that is cricket and we were getting close to win the game. Actually we had an idea to get Dinesh Chandimal as an opener in that game but due to the illness of Bopara we had to change our idea. But I think Chandimal can bat in any position and we have another three games and wanted to adjust our batting order to get success said Mathews.
“Actually ,my aim is to play 2023 World Cup. I always try to perform well on any occasion I get. I used to bowl earlier and if required I can bowl. I had to open bowling today for my team. My part is to perform well at matches and to catch the eye of the selectors” said Mathews.
Last three months I used to maintain my fitness and be ready for the game and this LPL is a good opportunity for all cricketers, said Angelo.