Angelo Mathews to miss the opening Test against Pakistan

Sri Lankan cricket has been going through a rough patch as of recent and it seems like the problems are never-ending. Now according to reports, former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews has been ruled out of the opening Test against Pakistan to be played in UAE owing to a grade one tear in his calf muscle, that he sustained during a training session.

The all-rounder hasn’t been at his best when it comes to fitness in recent times. He missed the entire Bangladesh series which included Tests due to the same injury. Earlier this year, he hurt his hamstring on the South Africa tour in January which forced him to miss games as well.

History of injuries

Even last year, Mathews tore his calf muscle during the fourth One-Day International against Australia which resulted in him missing out on the remainder of the tour. He also missed the Test series against Zimbabwe. These injuries have surely rocked him at a crucial stage in his career where he’s been trying to reinvent himself.

Also, his injuries have come at a time when the Sri Lankan cricket is facing its worst times whether it be in terms of administration or in terms of performance. After losing to Bangladesh at home, the islanders put up a pathetic display against India who completely whitewashed them in all formats that too in their own backyard.

The all-rounder has scored close to 10000 runs in international cricket alongside taking more than 100 wickets. At the age of 30, he still has a lot to offer to the Sri Lankan team and quite many feats to accomplish. However, he would’ve to work really hard upon his fitness to stay relevant for longer.

The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The series is slated to begin on the 28th of September.