New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews' push-ups celebration after scoring a century

The ongoing Test series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka saw a major twist in the tale. While the hosts were in all probability looking forward to wrapping up the game, the Sri Lankans produced a magnificent comeback from the blushes of defeat thanks to a stellar partnership between Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis. The action now goes to Day 5 at Basin Reserve in Wellington.

After restricting the visitors to 282 in their first innings, the Kiwis piled up 578 runs on the board. Tom Latham played a scintillating knock of 264 and carried his bat. On the other hand, Sri Lanka were reduced to 13/3 on Day three. The Islanders were staring at an innings defeat and one felt it was only a matter of time when they will be bundled out.

Mathews had a point to prove

However, what followed was a sensational 246-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews. Both went on to register splendid centuries. However, it was Mathews who wanted to prove a point more than anyone else. Of late, there have been a lot of aspersions cast on him in relation to his fitness.

The 31-year-old was even dropped from the limited-overs squad against England after the Asia Cup debacle. Hence, Mathews left no stone unturned in his celebrations. After completing his century by flicking one away through midwicket, the all-rounder went on to do some push-ups. Then he got up and flexed his muscles in a bid to remind the coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who had raised concerns over his fitness, that he has still got it in himself.

Here’s the video:

The timing of the knock couldn’t have been better. Recently, the former Sri Lankan captain was recalled to the limited-overs squad against the Kiwis. Also, with the Indian Premier League auctions lined up for today, Angelo will be amongst the favorites to get picked. However, the job is still undone for him as far as the ongoing game is concerned. Both him and Mendis will have to ensure they don’t allow New Zealand even a sniff on the final day.

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