No replacement for Mathews for South Africa tour

By Bipin Dani

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will not send a replacement for Angelo Mathews, who has been ruled out of the forthcoming South Africa tour. 

"Angelo Mathews has sustained a hamstring injury in his right leg and will not be able to tour with the team," Chief Selector Ashantha De Mel said. 

The former national captain had pulled his hamstring during the Lanka Premier League's first semi-final match between the Colombo Kings and Galle Gladiators and could not field for part of the match but was seen on TV several times directing the field setting and instructing the bowlers. 

According to sources in Hambantota, the 33-year-old all-rounder, who was selected in the 22-member squad will be out of cricket for about three to four weeks. 

"The team physio Ajantha Wattegama spoke to me about his injury. We are not naming any replacement for him but will take 21 players on tour now", de Mel added. 
  
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will send all other selected players, including fast bowlers Dilshan Madhushanka and Ashitha Fernando, on the South Africa tour.