Mathews takes over as Sri Lanka’s T20 skipper – Cricket News Update
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397, who quit the role following the recently concluded World T20, played at their own backyard.
The decision came after chief selector, Ashantha de Mel, said that the team is pondering an altogether different T20 group after they again fell short in winning a major ICC triumph following a defeat to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in the final of the mega-event.
Mathews has been the leading candidate for the job, having already taken the vice-captaincy role last year, and is further expected to take over from Jayawardene in the other two formats as well. His first assignment will see him leading the side in the
One-off T20 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754, which will be played on the 30th of this month.
De Mel said that the player will be given a one-year term, and further assessment will be made accordingly. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SL-Malinga-c2540, the team’s premier limited-over bowler, has been named his deputy for the mentioned period.
"We are giving Mathews a free hand to captain the T20 side for one year, after which we will review his performance," chief selector http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ashantha-Lakdasa-Francis-de-Mel-c46253 said.
Mathews has impressed many with his ability to bat under pressure situations, and is also a handy customer with the ball. In 35 T20Is, the player has scored 414, with a best of 58, while further has taken 21 wickets at an economy under 7. He contributed
ably, with both, bat and ball, during the World T20 but his failure in the final ensured that his side kept their poor form in major http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 events intact.
They were defeated by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691, only for Jayawardene to step
in earlier in the year for a second stint.
Injuries have been Mathews’ biggest concern, where the doctors have advised him to cut his workload. However, the player maintained his stance of contributing to the team in an all-round capacity, especially in the limited-over formats.
After playing the lone T20, the Lankans will take on the Kiwis in two Tests and five-One day Internationals.
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