India series will be tough, no doubt: Angelo Mathews

Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews is all set to be back on the cricket field after being out of action for a couple of months due to an injury. Mathews is likely to be seen in the Test series against India that commences on November 16. Team Sri Lanka were recently whitewashed in the Test series against the same Indian team in their own backyard.

Amidst this backdrop, the islanders would hope to take revenge of some sort in this reverse fixture. As per the recent quotes in Cricbuzz, Angelo Mathews mentioned that it has been frustrating for him to be watching things whilst being on the sidelines. He noted that the he has been asked to manage his workload to keep himself fit for the longer run.

“It’s been a very frustrating couple of weeks watching from home the guys playing. But having said that, I had a good three years from 2013 to 2016 where I never missed a game. Eventually the body took a toll on me. I have spoken to a few doctors in Colombo and in UK. The trainers have set up a programme for me and just need to follow that,” quoted Angelo Mathews.

“I have been told to manage my workload. I had good chat with the selectors. Me bowling in shorter formats of the game, gives the side much needed balance, but perhaps not in Test cricket as there are few risks,” he added further.

India always a tough opposition

Team Sri Lanka have never registered a Test match win in India. This tour serves as a good opportunity for them to create history. However, considering the kind of form team India is having, it will be tough. Angelo Mathews knows this fact and realizes that the road ahead will not be easy.

“It will be a tough series no doubt. We know that India has been always tough for us. Our preparation has been good. The Test boys seem to be doing well. It’s all about going out there with a positive mind. We shouldn’t worry about what happened to us during the Indian series at home,” Mathews mentioned.

Recalling the previous tour

Sri Lanka last toured India back in the year 2009. On that tour, Mathews was a 22-year old man who was run out on 99 in search of his maiden Test century at Mumbai. The all-rounder recalled the moment and said he was livid with himself for having missed out on a well deserved century. He added that the tour was a tough one for the Sri Lankan team but a great learning experience.

“It was very hard for me. I was only 22 and I was greedy to get that maiden Maiden Test hundred – everyone would be eager to get there. I hit the ball nicely and it nearly went to the boundary. I attempted to get the run which would have completed my hundred, but I was chancing the arm of Sachin Tendulkar. He ran me out. I was just a couple of inches short. I walked back a very frustrated man. In hindsight, it was a very good learning experience. The whole tour was a good learning experience. It was tough for us,” recalled Mathews.