Mathews unlikely to bowl in the Test

The experienced Sri Lanka all rounder and former Skipper Angelo Mathews participation in the ongoing second test against West Indies at Galle is likely to be restricted due to a thigh strain .

He sustained the injury in yesterday’s first session while running a single with Charith Asalanka in Sri Lanka’s first innings, and ended up having to retire hurt, when on 12, presumably to receive further treatment in the dressing room. He only returned on field after eight overs later to bat at Number 10 but decided to remain at the crease with Suranga Lakmal instead of running singles .

He hit two straight sixes and a four off the bowling of leg spinner Jomel Warrican became the last batter to dismissed for 29 and that was Warrican’s fourth wicket of the innings Matthews scored 29 in 45 balls guided to pass the 200 mark for the Sri Lankan side .

However he did not return to the field when the West Indies commenced their innings being replaced by substitute fielder Chamika Karunaratne .

He was expected to bowl in this match, but now looks unlikely. He will be assessed over the next 24 hours, but given his long-standing problems with hamstring, quad, and calf injuries, it is possible that he will not field, and only bat if required.

This is Mathews’ first international series since May. In the first Test, he scored 3 and 69 n.o.