After a humiliating loss against Zimbabwe in the five-match ODI series, all-rounder Angelo Mathews resigned as Sri Lanka's cricket captain in all three formats of the game. On Wednesday, Sri Lanka Cricket has named Dinesh Chandimal as Mathew’s successor in the Test format of the gentlemen’s game. Whereas, Upul Tharanga will be the in-charge of the team in the limited overs format.
Sri Lanka suffered their first-ever series defeat (in six series) against lowly-ranked Zimbabwe by 2-3 in the five-match rubber on their home soil.
Mathews has led the team during a tumultuous period for Sri Lanka's cricket with the retirement of several star players.
Dinesh Chandimal will be Sri Lankan cricket team’s 15th captain in the Tests. Earlier, the 27-year-old Chandimal had served as vice-captain and led the Lankan Lions in the T20 format. He was Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in ODI cricket last year. While Tharanga has led the ODI team in Mathews absence.
Delighted over his promotion, Chandimal said, "Firstly, I would like to thank 'Anji' (Mathews). It's not an easy job as a captain in any team so Anji, you have done a great job the last four, five years."
"I am really honoured to captain the Test side. Thanks to the SLC and the selectors who are trusting me as Test captain. We have lots of up and downs the last two years but they have really good players, good youngsters and senior players too. I'm going to put my heart and soul in for the future to get us in the right position," cricket.com.cu quoted Chandimal, as saying.
On Monday, Mathews admitted that the unexpected home series loss to Zimbabwe was "one of the lowest points" of his career, said that he would discuss his captaincy future with the SLC selectors.
The dynamic all-rounder has led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, 98 ODIs and 12 T20Is. The highlight of Mathews' captaincy was the national side whitewashing Australia 3-0 in a Test series last year. Under Mathews, Sri Lanka have won an away Test series against England, and a home Test series against Australia.
(With Agency Inputs)
