IND vs SL 2017: Angelo Mathews Declared Fit For Series-Decider

In a major boost for Sri Lanka ahead of the third and final One-Day International, their star allrounder Angelo Mathews has been declared fit.

There were questions mark over the former Sri Lanka skipper’s availability in the series decider after he suffered from cramps during his unbeaten century knock in the second ODI at Mohali on Wednesday (December 13). However, the apprehensions dispelled as the all-rounder hit the ground running by taking part in a training session. He had a couple of batting stints and also bowled some overs in between during the team’s training session that lasted a little over three hours.

Confirming Mathews’ availability in the all-important game, team manager Asanka Gurusinha said:

“Angelo Mathews is fit. He suffered from cramps at the end of the last game. However, he has recovered. He bowled as well as batted in the nets today. All our 15 members are fit and available for selection.”

The news will be a huge boost for the visitors who were completely blown away in the second One-Day International in Mohali. After stunning the hosts in the series-opener, the Islanders proved no match for the Men in Blue in the second One-Day International. Skipper Thisara Perera‘s decision to bowl first turned out to be a nightmare as the Indian batsmen made merry with Rohit Sharma‘s monumental 208-run knock leading the way.

In reply, the visitors never looked in contention to chase down the total, but Angelo Mathews proved his worth by waging a lone battle. The former skipper batted till the end, remaining unbeaten on 111 to help his side post a respectable 251 for 8.

Mathews’ form will be important for Sri Lanka who will be eyeing another upset in Sunday’s game to register a  historic series win in India. Mathews, who had also scored a century in the Test series, has also resumed bowling and will be eyeing a good outing in the final ODI.

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