Sri Lanka’s seasoned all-rounder, Angelo Mathews, has been drafted into the ICC World Cup 2023 squad, replacing the injured pacer, Matheesha Pathirana.
Pathirana sustained a debilitating shoulder injury during Sri Lanka’s clash against Pakistan. This sidelining has ruled Pathirana out of the forthcoming crucial encounters against Australia and the Netherlands.
Angelo Mathews, no stranger to the international stage, had already joined the Sri Lankan ranks as a travelling reserve alongside the fiery pacer, Dushmantha Chameera, prior to the showdown with the Netherlands. His inclusion is poised to infuse a wealth of experience and serve as a pivotal morale boost for the Sri Lankan side. The all-rounder has been a stalwart for Sri Lanka, representing the nation in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 World Cups, even captaining the side in the 2015 edition.
🚨 Mathews approved as replacement for Pathirana in Sri Lanka squad 🚨
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Angelo Mathews as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad.
Mathews, who has played 221 ODIs, was named… pic.twitter.com/AIx1GIpzuR
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 24, 2023
Pathirana’s unfortunate exit marks another setback for Sri Lanka in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, following the loss of their skipper, Dasun Shanaka, due to a quadriceps tear sustained during the encounter against Pakistan. Pacer Chamika Karunaratne has been called up to fill Shanaka’s shoes, while the leadership mantle has been passed to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.
Adding to Sri Lanka’s woes, their ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is also absent from the World Cup due to an injury.
The former champions find themselves grappling in the current ICC World Cup 2023 campaign, presently languishing at the ninth spot with a meager two points from four matches. Their next challenge comes against the defending champions, England, on October 26, in a battle to climb the ranks and revive their World Cup aspirations.
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