The former Sri Lanka captain, Angelo Mathews, made a significant impact in Sri Lanka’s last-ball victory against Zimbabwe last night, stating, “I felt like I was playing my debut. I wasn’t trying to prove anything to anyone. It was just another opportunity for me to try and do the job for my team and country,” after scoring 46 runs off 38 deliveries in his T20 International comeback after a three-year hiatus.
Reflecting on his omission from the T20 World Cups despite performing well in the Lanka Premier League seasons, Mathews said, “If you take decisions that are driven by agendas, these kinds of things can happen – we haven’t even qualified for the Champions Trophy. But one thing I believe is that if you train and play wholeheartedly, you can create an environment for yourself where you can perform. I kept my efforts up over the last couple of years. I think I can play for a little while longer.” He also picked up the Player-of-the-Match trophy, expressing his determination to continue playing for a while longer.
Acknowledging the positive changes in communication with the new selectors, Mathews praised their transparency in discussing future plans, stating, “The communication with me and the new selectors is quite clear. They asked me what my plans were for the future and [told me] their plans as well. We had a very good discussion. They said that I’m in their plans for the T20 World Cup, and if I could bowl a few overs. I said: ‘Absolutely – if I can help the team in any way’.” However, when asked if he is blaming the former Selectors for taking decisions with agendas, he said he cannot reveal things as he is bound by his SLC contract not to speak on those matters.
He also highlighted the commitment of cricket consultant Sanath Jayasuriya at the SLC High-Performance Center, saying, “We have a new hope to revive our cricket; we see Sanath ayya every morning in R. Premadasa stadium working hard.”
Commending the crucial roles played by Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera in the thrilling win, Mathews particularly praised Chameera’s six runs off the last two balls, considering it the most important innings of the match. Overall, Mathews expressed confidence in the new direction of Sri Lankan cricket and his role in the upcoming T20 World Cup, especially if he can contribute with the ball. (NewsWire)