Malinga, Mathews dropped

Thursday, 21 April 2011 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Cassandra Mascarenhas

In a shocking development, Sri Lanka Cricket announced yesterday that both fast bowler Lasith Malinga and all-rounder Angelo Mathews have been dropped from the national squad for the upcoming tour of England, which will be captained by T.M. Dilshan.

The team for the test series was finalised yesterday with Dilshan, who took a short break from his responsibilities in the IPL, returning to Sri Lanka to assist the selectors. Mathews sustained injuries during the latter part of the World Cup which may have resulted in this decision and Malinga too has cited injuries, therefore rendering him unable to play for the national team; however he has so far continued to take part in the IPL.

Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket Nishantha Ranatunga admitted that although this was an awkward situation, the Cricket Board would continue to wait and see what course Malinga will take before taking any action against him.

All cricketers who have been selected for the test squad, including those who are currently taking part in the IPL, have been asked to return to Sri Lanka by 5 May in order to play for the national side in England. Dilshan admitted that although the absence of the cricketers would be felt by the squad, he had faith in the players who had been chosen for the England tour.