Mathews in doubt for Tests against Bangladesh

Angelo Mathews is not merely out of the ongoing ODI tri-nation series, but is also in serious doubt for the Tests against Bangladesh, and has returned to Colombo for treatment. It was hoped that the niggle in Mathews’ right hamstring would heal quickly enough for him to take part in the back-end of the tri-nation series. However, as has often been the case with Mathews’ injuries, recovery has been slow.

The current injury is neither a strain nor a tear according to the team management, but an irritation of the scar tissue sustained from previous injuries. Mathews first felt the irritation during the team’s loss to Zimbabwe on Wednesday, and has sat out the two subsequent matches.

Mathews’ ongoing injury concerns are now especially problematic, since his being reinstated to the limited-overs captaincy following a five-month hiatus. Dinesh Chandimal, the Test captain, has been leading the ODI side in his stead.

Thanks to various leg complaints, Mathews has missed two full tours, and several series besides, over the past 18 months. He has now had hamstring trouble on two successive tours, having also had return home early from the India tour.