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Vice Captain of the Sri Lanka cricket team Angelo Mathews said that he is ready to take over as skipper once Mahela Jayawardene steps aside at the end of the current series, the AAP reported today.
"I'm pretty much prepared. If they offer me the captain's job, I'll probably take it," Mathews said.
"Mahela's done a wonderful job and it's not easy to take those reins and do as well as Mahela. It will be a tough challenge.
"But let's see how it goes."
Mathews has made 79, 84 and 75 in his past three Tests, but despite 11 half-centuries has only once scored a Test century.
That was against Australia, and Mathews has also shone at the MCG in a one-day international when his 77 not out as part of a 132-run ninth wicket stand gave Sri Lanka an extraordinary one-wicket win over the Aussies in 2010.
The all-rounder goes into the Boxing Day Test - Sri Lanka's first Test at the MCG since the infamous 1995 Muttiah Muralitharan chucking controversy - in run-scoring nick.
With Australia set to hand paceman Jackson Bird a Test debut, Mathews admitted the Sri Lankans knew little about the Tasmanian.
"To play for Australia, he has to be a good bowler - we cannot take him lightly," Mathews said.
"We have to try and be careful and take on the challenge. We need to get hold of his videos and analyse him."
Comments - 67
Comments - I am ready for captaincy-Mathews
mamath Tuesday, 25 December 2012 12:25 AM
sajith was saying the same for a long time
79
tjeyar Tuesday, 25 December 2012 12:00 AM
he is our brave boy v will ever with u via DM Android App
00
Truly Tuesday, 25 December 2012 04:45 AM
Well ....u like captaincy...then u will play for only one year...
14
James Tuesday, 25 December 2012 12:00 AM
Mathews. This is the plan of Buddhist extremist to convert you. Don't fall in their trap. Don't give up your belief for whatever the reason. You know the story of Suraj Randiv? Shame on him via DM Android App
02
Chams Tuesday, 25 December 2012 03:26 AM
Let us face facts. You still have to prove yourself in T-20 and Tests therefore you are lucky to be considered for captaincy. Probably the rest of the team is too young and inexperienced (except Mahela, Sanga, Dilshan and Thilan) to be considered.
Also wait till it comes your way without showing your interest too much. It looks and sounds a little unprofessional. We need to maintain the standards Mahela and Sanga has set.
10
sanaboy Tuesday, 25 December 2012 01:30 AM
Don't beg for captaincy. first try to perform well. then everything will come to your way.
46
Jagath Leanage Tuesday, 25 December 2012 01:07 AM
Wish you all the best . Complements of the season and joyful X'mas to you and rest of the players and als to the officials who are with you.
03
3i Tuesday, 25 December 2012 12:30 AM
who cares whther the captain is sinhala tamil or martian as long as he is capable
216
len Monday, 24 December 2012 06:24 PM
May be politics is a team game?
13
Senna Monday, 24 December 2012 05:27 PM
At last world will see "our brand of cricket".
71
Senna Monday, 24 December 2012 05:24 PM
True. He accepts it in a very positive frame of mind. Good luck .
26
Adrian Monday, 24 December 2012 05:26 PM
Angelo, you are not ready to captain the side.As all arounder need 15 tons ,10 half centries, 150 wickets.Until that keep quite
75
Karu Monday, 24 December 2012 05:16 PM
Good luck.......Can he speak Tamil ???
25
sobana Monday, 24 December 2012 04:42 PM
They rocked it too hard....that's why we lost the world cups and are 1-0 down in the test.
57
Marikkar Tuesday, 25 December 2012 11:55 AM
Because you will not find true practicing Buddhists playing cricket.
02
S.M Thursday, 27 December 2012 06:23 AM
Would like to see you play some "captain's knocks", before being so eager to take over the captaincy. Disappointing knock @ the MCG, 1-0 down in the series, and to come in and put on such a paltry performance is not the temperament of a captain.
00
Sniper Wednesday, 26 December 2012 08:05 AM
We want a tamil captain...or you know what will happen in the ground....booooooooooooooom
01
sun Wednesday, 26 December 2012 02:59 AM
Ohh !!! God. Whyyyyyyy?
01
Sham Tuesday, 25 December 2012 05:18 PM
First Tamil Captain ??
02
Niffy Boy Monday, 24 December 2012 03:51 PM
Mathews had been the sole reason for many victories. He is a responsible player. He deserves the next captaincy. Advance wishes
29
#BUSHAYYA# Tuesday, 25 December 2012 10:53 AM
another josephian,what can we expect from him
03
raded Tuesday, 25 December 2012 12:00 AM
@Gunadasa u are another racist scumbag .its unfortunate a beautiful country like our got low life's like u in it.
01
Bandu Tuesday, 25 December 2012 07:04 AM
Take the job and get other players to perform or sack them how big they are. Also keep them under control.
00
Jesus Tuesday, 25 December 2012 06:52 AM
Bless you my son....I really don't know who my mom is...and today they are celebrating my birthday...even I have no idea when I was born...hahahaha
21
Sinhala ravaya Tuesday, 25 December 2012 06:49 AM
@ Buddist sir..your the only man who understand that our country will be taken over by these chritians in the near future..so we have to put a stop to it...like breaking up the thambi mosques ..we will fight to spread buddisam
21
Deepal Tuesday, 25 December 2012 06:07 AM
It all depends on SLC, will someone fall from the sky to Captain Sri Lanka next?
00
dumindar Tuesday, 25 December 2012 05:58 AM
If sinhal Budist is the basic qualification our sportsmans are ready to change the religen like T.M.Dilshan & Suraj mohammed .. ..
04
Senna Monday, 24 December 2012 08:45 AM
You are the guy who can perform under pressure. Take it easy. Country is behind you. Congratulations.
918
Peter Monday, 24 December 2012 10:29 AM
Wish you good luck. You are the best to lead the team.
29
Kondebandapucheena Monday, 24 December 2012 10:18 AM
why So hurry,lets Finish this tour well.Let the Authority appoint you officialy
412
jayantha silva Monday, 24 December 2012 10:23 AM
Angelo don't be too impatient. You are yet to prove yourself . The job is much bigger than you think.
129
chaminda Monday, 24 December 2012 10:16 AM
Mathews , becareful to commet because SLC will conduct an inquiry against you. :) Good luck.
09
M de S Monday, 24 December 2012 10:17 AM
New Captain. Let him make the decisions
17
Rahu kalaya Monday, 24 December 2012 10:10 AM
Good for nothing if he comes for Capatancy....For SRi Lanka it will be "RAhooo Kalaya tamai wane"
1812
jayantha silva Monday, 24 December 2012 10:09 AM
Cricket is a team sport man, keep God out of it.
2747
M de S Monday, 24 December 2012 10:14 AM
Let him play an un-interfered game.
09
hmm Monday, 24 December 2012 10:34 AM
First Josephian to captain the national cricket team.. proud of you Angie.. and proud to be a Josephian..
1127
Priyantha Gunaratna Monday, 24 December 2012 08:38 AM
First concentrate on winning this test series. We are already 1-0 down. The captaincy and team change issues can be addressed at the end of this tour.
545
Gihan Monday, 24 December 2012 08:44 AM
Congrats , u have that fighting instinct team needed. All the best
716
Premakumar Monday, 24 December 2012 08:38 AM
Trust in God Angelo and then you will come overcome all obstacles.
4336
Madhukar Monday, 24 December 2012 08:28 AM
Yes, only suitable candidate to take over.
525
Zamqdr Monday, 24 December 2012 08:13 AM
Perfect Candidate!
1427
Minister Monday, 24 December 2012 08:08 AM
Yes you can Mat. We will support you for our nation.
326
C. Seneveratne Monday, 24 December 2012 08:07 AM
Go do your job right, every thing will be okay.
130
Nizam - Dubai Monday, 24 December 2012 07:55 AM
Congrats...like your spirit, take the challenge, and lets see how it works...
1047
GUNADASA Monday, 24 December 2012 11:10 AM
why no sinhala captain for our national cricket team?
878
Aceman Monday, 24 December 2012 11:27 AM
Its the SRI LANKAN team mate, last time I checked, Angelo Matthews was Sri Lankan.
325
nobody Monday, 24 December 2012 11:57 AM
Keep race, religon and schools out of it and also focus on the job in hand
542
Budhist Monday, 24 December 2012 11:57 AM
We need a Sinhala Buddhist to lead the team
7911
Chow Chow Monday, 24 December 2012 12:06 PM
Because most of the Sinhalese are busy protesting against places of worship of other people.
733
ANTON Monday, 24 December 2012 12:15 PM
BULSHIT
175
Kondebandapucheena Monday, 24 December 2012 12:36 PM
Gunadasa We all Sri Lankans ,shame on you Man
226
UKM Monday, 24 December 2012 12:41 PM
What Mathews had achieved in his career so far. He is the most selfish player in recent history. May be he is having the talent. but never come near to Mehele or Sanga.
78
DeSelva Monday, 24 December 2012 01:53 PM
is the captaincy ready for you the racist Sinhala modays running the country and the cricket will not give it to you
78
lk Monday, 24 December 2012 02:10 PM
"To play for Australia, one has to be a good bowler" - and to play for SL, being an average bowler is enough (eg. Dhammika Prasad)
bowler" - and to play for SL, being an average bowler is enough (eg. Dhammika Prasad)')" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px">Reply
06
ANTON Monday, 24 December 2012 02:11 PM
Angelo, Thisara and Dimuth 03 Josephian all rounders will rock the cricket world.
129
rajaraja Monday, 24 December 2012 02:22 PM
keep it for you
12
kane Monday, 24 December 2012 02:47 PM
Whether in sports, politics or in your day to day life, trust in God and have faith in him, you will be good in everything and nothing will bother you.
1516
ANTON Monday, 24 December 2012 03:18 PM
Angelo, Dimuth, Thisarara Three Josaphian all rounders will rock the cricket world.
128
Jayantha Monday, 24 December 2012 03:39 PM
Why not suggest the same to the Politicians in Sri Lanka to overcome all the obstacles we have in Sri Lanka
110
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