Twitter erupts as Angelo Mathews steps down as Sri Lanka captain

Angelo Mathews has stepped down as Sri Lanka captain from all the three formats of the game following the shocking series defeat against Zimbabwe. He was seen dejected after the fifth and final ODI against Zimbabwe which Sri Lanka lost by three wickets.

Sri Lanka were outplayed in all departments throughout the series by Zimbabwe. The big difference between the two teams was the fielding, the same reason which haunted the team from the island nation during Champions Trophy. The only positive in the series for Sri Lanka was the opening duo of Gunathilaka and Dickwella.

Mathews himself blew hot and cold with the bat and his captaincy looked odd at times during the series. He had hinted that he will think over his captaincy and was also not sure of continuing until 2019 World Cup 2019.

Though, his contribution to the team as the captain can’t be overlooked. He led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests and won 13 of them while the team lost 15 Tests. Sri Lanka won the Test series for the first time in England during his captaincy tenure. Sri Lanka even went on to whitewash Australia in 3 match Test series which was the highlight of his captaincy.

Mathews captained Sri Lanka in whopping 93 ODIs, winning 47 of those. He could not replicate the same in T20Is though winning only 4 and losing 7.

Recent triumph of Sri Lanka under Mathews was the win over the title favorites India in the recently concluded Champions Trophy. He himself played a crucial knock and remained unbeaten in one of the highest chases of the tournament. Many had hailed the team after the emphatic victory and the talks of the team building for 2019 World Cup were at the peak. But the series loss against the team ranked 11th was the least expected.

First, the resignation of coach and now the captain has left Sri Lanka cricket in dire straits. They would soon need to find a solution as the series against is scheduled to start in fortnight’s time.

Twitter erupted to the news of Mathews stepping down from the coveted position. Here are some of the best tweets:

Can understand Angelo Mathews being frustrated with results. But does it help Sri Lankan cricket if he quits?

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 11, 2017

In the last 1 hour:
Lonawo Tsotsobe banned for 8 years
Angelo Mathews stepped down as skipper
BCCI announced head coach, bowling coach.

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) July 11, 2017

Angelo Mathews relinquishes Sri Lanka captaincy I understand: in all formats. Sad, but not entirely surprising given recent performances

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) July 11, 2017

Angelo Mathews leading Sri Lanka to a historic Test series win in England with a captain's knock of 160 in the 2nd inngs made us all proud.

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) July 11, 2017

So much Breaking News in an hour or two: Tsotsobe ban, Indian coach appointment, & now Angelo Mathews resigns as SL captain. What a day!

— Arun Gopalakrishnan (@statanalyst) July 11, 2017

@Angelo69Mathews ? really sad to see u stepping down as d captain of SLC.. Tough time, take a break & come again strongly, that's our wish.

— Suranie De Silva (@SADILHANI) July 11, 2017

It is risky – it could potentially derail the development of his batting – but if he's up for it, Kusal Mendis should be next captain.

— Theena K (@KTheena) July 11, 2017

Sad too hear @Angelo69Mathews step down as captain. always heartbreaking when a player like you steps down,thank you for all you done for us

— Surantha (@SlimLWB) July 11, 2017

Now dont say me legend @chandi_17 will be the next captain. It was just a passing cloud @Angelo69Mathews ?Could have stick untill 2019 WC

— Hashmat Sulaiman (@SulaimanHashmat) July 11, 2017