Mathews, Lakmal fit for Windies

By Madushka Balasuriya

Sri Lanka have been given an injury boost ahead of their tour to the West Indies with Angelo Mathews and Suranga Lakmal both declared fit to play in the first Test.

Both players had been named in the traveling squad, but a lack of match fitness was a point of concern among Sri Lanka’s selectors. However, following an eight-day training camp, SLC now believe both players will be ready for the first Test next month.

Mathews last played for Sri Lanka in an ODI against Zimbabwe in Dhaka in January, where he aggravated a recurring hamstring problem. That saw him miss the remainder of the Bangladesh tour as well the Nidahas Trophy in March, before returning to domestic action last month.

Meanwhile, Lakmal has been in and out of the side in recent times, either through injuries or due to selectors managing his workload. The 31 year-old quick was rested for most of the Nidahas Trophy, after which a side strain ruled him out of last month’s Super Provincial four-day tournament. He has since returned for the Super Provincial Limited Overs matches.

Lakmal’s return strengthens a depleted Sri Lankan fast bowling lineup, with Lahiru Gamage, Lahiru Kumara and the uncapped pair of Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha the only other quicks on tour. Mathews might have been expected to share in the workload but SLC confirmed to the Daily FT that the 30-year-old will only be used in his capacity as a batsman, while Lakmal’s workload too will be managed on a game-by-game basis.

“Mathews will not be bowling, while Lakmal’s inclusion [in the third Test] will depend on how much he bowls in the first two games,” said Chief selector Graeme Labrooy. 

“That however depends on the selection committee on tour, and how much of a workload he undertakes.”