New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2018/19: Angelo Mathews Retired Hurt With Hamstring Injury

Well, the injury troubles haunt Angelo Mathews again. The right-handed classy batsman, who is in ominous form of late, failed to manage his fitness. He sustained a hamstring injury while batting for a draw in the ongoing second Test match against New Zealand. The hosts are eyeing to make use of the situation to bag the victory.

The team management confirmed on Saturday that Angelo Mathews, after retiring hurt due to hamstring trouble ahead of the final session in Christchurch has been sent for scans.

Angelo Mathews struggled to continue:

During the mammoth chase of 660, Mathews felt his right hamstring pull up while taking a couple of runs. He struggled at first and had the medical staff attend to him immediately, but continued to bat on even as the struggle was very evident.

However, he couldn’t quite carry-on, as he walked back ahead of the Tea session of Day 4. During the course, Chandimal’s no-risk approach saw him take 172 deliveries to reach his 17th half century and at tea, he was on 56 with the injured Angelo Mathews on 22 while Mendis was out for 67.

Chandimal faced 228 deliveries before he fell victim to a Wagner. Kusal Mendis, who in the course of his innings became only the second player behind India’s Virat Kohli to score 1 000 runs this year. But, unfortunately, failed to carry-on.

The final equation for the match is that Sri Lanka needs to bat out the 90 overs on Day 5 while on the end, Kiwis need four successful deliveries. It would be interesting to see whether Angelo Mathews bats or not.

Meanwhile, after rain ensured a drawn first Test in Wellington, Kiwis are eyeing for a win in the Christchurch decider. It would give New Zealand a fourth consecutive series win for the first time after beating the West Indies, England and Pakistan earlier this year.