Angelo Mathews Keen To Return To National Side, Final Call On Him Will be Taken By SLC Today - Reports

Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews has expressed his intention to represent the national side once again reports from ESPNcricinfo confirmed. Mathews has made himself available for selection with an eye on returning to the Lankan setup very soon.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Mathews has sent a mail to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board revealing his intentions to rejoin the team. It has also been stated that the board will discuss the matter in today’s meeting and arrive at a final decision.

Back in July this year, the senior players of the Lankan side were unhappy with the treatment they received from the board. Mathews, in particular, was asked to undertake a pay-cut of USD 50,000. There was a long standoff between the two parties, with the 34-year-old even considering retirement.

Things have mellowed down since then, with Dinesh Chandimal returning to the Lankan fold. He is part of the upcoming T20 World Cup and is likely to feature in the playing XI as well. It is a very inexperienced team that is heading into the tournament and will be led by Dasun Shanaka.

If Mathews does get approval from the board, his first assignment could be the home Test series against West Indies in November, after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup. Soon after, the Lanka Premier League (LPL) will commence where he could turn up for his side, the Colombo Kings.

Angelo Mathews’ stats for Sri Lanka

The veteran all-rounder has been part of Sri Lanka’s side in all three formats.

Tests: In 90 matches, he has scored 6236 runs at an average of 44.86, including a best of 200*. With the ball, he has taken 33 wickets with best figures of 4/44.

ODIs: In 218 matches, Mathews has scored 5835 runs at an average of 41.68 and strike rate of 83.31. He has taken 120 wickets including career-best figures of 6/20 against India in Colombo.

T20Is: Mathews has played 78 T20Is for Sri Lanka, scoring 1148 runs with a high score of 81*. He has an excellent economy rate of 7.00 while bowling and has taken 37 wickets overall.

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