Sri Lanka recall Angelo Mathews for India T20Is

Sri Lanka have included all-rounder Angelo Mathews in their 16-man squad for the upcoming T20I series against India starting January 5. Mathews, who has been troubled by injuries in the past few years last played a T20I in August 2018.

In 72 T20Is so far, Angelo Mathews has played 72 T20Is for Sri Lanka, scoring 1055 runs and picking 37 wickets. The veteran has been one of the vital cogs in the Sri Lankan line-up, contributing both with bat and ball over the years.

On the other hand, the Lankans were dealt a massive blow after fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep injured himself during practice. Pradeep will be replaced fellow pacer 26-year-old Kasun Rajitha, who has played 10 T20Is for Sri Lanka. The three-match T20I series kick starts at Guwahati, followed by matches in Indore (January 7) and Pune (January 10).

Sri Lanka T20I squad led by Lasith Malinga left the island this morning for India to take part in the 3-match T20I series. #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/iRtIUgX0mU

— Sri Lanka Cricket ?? (@OfficialSLC) January 2, 2020

Sri Lanka have had a rollercoaster ride in T20Is in the last few months. Their second-string side first inflicted a 3-0 clean sweep against Pakistan in Pakistan in October 2019. Two weeks later, Australia dominated Sri Lanka in similar fashion at home. With the upcoming fixtures against India, the Lasith Malinga-led team will hope to strengthen their squad ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup in October.

Sri Lanka full squad: Lasith Malinga (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dhananjaya De Silva, Isuru Udana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Kusal Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan