ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Marquee Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews will play no further part in the series against West Indies, dealing another blow to the touring side.
Sri Lanka Cricket announced yesterday the 33-year-old Mathews would return home immediately to attend “a family matter” but did not elaborate.
Mathews stood in as captain for last week’s three-match Twenty20 series at Coolidge Cricket Ground here after substantive skipper Dasun Shanaka was ruled out due to visa issues.
West Indies won the series 2-1 with Mathews performing poorly, managing scores of five, 13 and 11. He also featured in Wednesday’s opening One-Day International where he also failed with five, as Sri Lanka went down by eight wickets at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.
Mathews, who averages 45 with the bat in Tests and 41 in ODIs, is one of the most senior members in the side and was expected to play a key role in both formats.
His abrupt return home comes on the heels of several leading players being ruled out of the tour due to injury and illness. West Indies take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI today.
