Angelo Mathews in doubt for second ODI against England

Sri Lanka’s chances in the ongoing five-match One-Day International series against England have been dealt a blow as skipper Angelo Mathews is currently a doubtful starter for the second match at Edgbaston.

Mathews suffered a hamstring injury during the first ODI at Trent Bridge on Tuesday and had to walk off the field in the second innings with Dinesh Chandimal filling in as stand-in skipper.

The niggle did not improve overnight and Mathews was taken to a specialist in Birmingham on Wednesday to undergo an assessment on his hamstring injury.

If Mathews is unavailable for selection, it will be a huge blow as he is a vital all-rounder in the side as was evident from his contribution in the first ODI.

The 29-year-old hit a responsible 73 and took two early wickets to keep Sri Lanka in the hunt in the first game and the side missed his experience as captain when England staged a dramatic comeback to tie the game with a last-ball six.

Sri Lanka, who have already lost Shaminda Eranga due to a suspension for an illegal bowling action, will be forced to select two players in the place of Mathews as there is no genuine all-rounder in the squad.

According to a report on ESPNcricinfo, the Sri Lankan team management will pick a replacement for Eranga from the Sri Lanka A squad which will take part in matches against England Lions and Pakistan A.

Currently, Mathews will need to undergo and clear a fitness test if he is to take part in the second ODI at Edgbaston on 24th June.

© Cricket World 2016