Mathews to lead SL against Zimbabwe

By Shehan Daniel

In what could be their last assignment, the Sanath Jayasuriya-led selection committee has short-listed 30 players for the Zimbabwe tour of Sri Lanka which begins with five ODIs, the first of which begins on June 30.

Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala speaking to the Daily Mirror said that the team will be led by Angelo Mathews for atleast the first three games.

“We hope to field the best possible team in the first three ODIs, led by Angelo Mathews, and if we win that we hope to try some future players for the remaining two ODIs,” Sumathipala said.

Sumathipala also said that a final decision regarding the future of the selection panel will be taken at a June 29th Executive Committee meeting, before the Minister’s ratification is sought.

The Daily Mirror also learns that the future of the existing committee was discussed at the Management Committee meeting yesterday but the decision was left to the Executive Committee as opinion on if Jayasuriya should continue was split.

An SLC source told the Daily Mirror that while there was uncertainty regarding Jayasuriya, there could be changes to other members in the committees.

“There may be one or two changes to the committee. We have received nominations and they will be forwarded to the Ex-Co to make a final decision,” the source said.

The first two Zimbabwe ODIs will be played in Galle on June 30 and July 2, and Hambantota will host the last three ODIs on July 6, 8 and 10.

The solitary Test will be played from July 14 to 18 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.