Mathews’ Covid scare force Australian team to skip Warne commemoration

The audience at the event included current national players and officials

By Bipin Dani

Patrick Cummins-led Australian team skipped the commemoration gathering hosted in the memory of late Shane Warne on Saturday night, it is learnt. 

According to the sources in Sri Lanka, the Hon. Minister Harin Fernando hosted the cocktail party, which was attended by Shane’s brother Jason and wife, Shay. 

“Both teams were invited. The home team was in attendance but the visiting team is likely to have had the Covid scare in mind. Since Angelo Mathews was found Covid affected, all have taken utmost precautions,” the source close to the minister, said. 

“Apart from the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials, the gathering was also attended by the selectors Pramodya Wickramasinghe and Romesh Kaluwitharana. A notable absentee was Muttiah Muralitharan, though his manager Kushil Gunasekera, the founder of the Foundation of Goodness was present,” the source said on condition of anonymity. 

Update on Angelo Mathews

All-rounder Mathews, who had to miss a major part of the first Test in Galle due to Covid-19 has a ‘better chance’ of playing the second Test, commencing at the same venue from Friday. 

“He was diagnosed on the 2nd day of the Test and is completing the five-day isolation on Sunday. His next Rapid Test is scheduled today and if the tests reports are negative, he will be available. We want him to play the second Test,” the SLC source added. 

The first rain-affected Test, which finished under three-days, was won by the visiting team by 10 wickets.