Injured Mathews ruled out of New Zealand ODIs

31 December 2018 06:54 am

Angelo Mathews has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand and is also doubtful for the subsequent two Tests against Australia due to a hamstring injury.

The 31-year-old was forced to retire hurt after picking up the injury during the afternoon session on the fourth day of his side's second Test against New Zealand, which the latter went on to win by huge 423 runs in Christchurch.

Now, the scans have revealed that a grade two strain in his left hamstring, something which will keep him out of action for at least four weeks.

Mathews was earlier dropped from Sri Lanka's limited-overs squad before Lasith Malinga, who was named the side's skipper for the New Zealand tour, decided to pick him for the three ODIs and lone T20I against the Kane Williamson-led side.  

Sri Lanka and New Zealand will lock horns in the ODI series from January 3 at the Bay Oval while they will face Australia in the two-match Test series, beginning January 24 at the Gabba in Brisbane.