I am ready for captaincy – Mathews
Vice Captain of the Sri Lanka cricket team Angelo Mathews said that he is ready to take over as skipper once Mahela Jayawardene steps aside at the end of the current series, the AAP reported today.
“I’m pretty much prepared. If they offer me the captain’s job, I’ll probably take it,” Mathews said.
“Mahela’s done a wonderful job and it’s not easy to take those reins and do as well as Mahela. It will be a tough challenge.
“But let’s see how it goes.”
Mathews has made 79, 84 and 75 in his past three Tests, but despite 11 half-centuries has only once scored a Test century.
That was against Australia, and Mathews has also shone at the MCG in a one-day international when his 77 not out as part of a 132-run ninth wicket stand gave Sri Lanka an extraordinary one-wicket win over the Aussies in 2010.
The all-rounder goes into the Boxing Day Test – Sri Lanka’s first Test at the MCG since the infamous 1995 Muttiah Muralitharan chucking controversy – in run-scoring nick.
With Australia set to hand paceman Jackson Bird a Test debut, Mathews admitted the Sri Lankans knew little about the Tasmanian.
“To play for Australia, he has to be a good bowler – we cannot take him lightly,” Mathews said.
“We have to try and be careful and take on the challenge. We need to get hold of his videos and analyse him.”
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka to install 500 new telecom towers in three years November 13, 2025
- Namal outlines intention of snti-govt rally to demand fulfilled promises November 13, 2025
- Sri Lanka holds high-level talks to tackle illegal fishing, poaching and drug trafficking November 13, 2025
- Five Sri Lankans held in Maldives over massive drug bust November 13, 2025
- Man arrested for attacking Traffic Sergeant in Anuradhapura November 13, 2025
The way things are going in the 2nd test in Australia, Angelo should be catapulted into the captaincy sooner than later. The deadwood in our team should fortwith be replaced.
The 3rd test is in Sydney, a ground that has always been favourable to Sri Lanka. It is time Mahela steps back and allows leadership to talented youth.