Angelo Mathews made a memorable comeback to T20I cricket after nearly three years in the SL vs ZIM 1st T20I. Coming into bat when Sri Lanka were 83-5 in 13.4 overs chasing 144, Mathews scored a match-winning 46 off 38 balls to help his side take a 1-0 lead in the series.
However, after his match, Angelo Mathews wasn’t happy with his performance and was miffed at the selectors for not picking him for the last two T20 World Cups. After the match, while talking with ESPNcricinfo, he said:
“In the last two Lanka Premier League (LPL) seasons I batted and bowled well, but unfortunately I wasn’t selected for the T20 World Cups, and I wasn’t given reasons for that. If you take decisions that are driven by agendas, these kinds of things can happen – we haven’t even qualified for the Champions Trophy.”
“But one thing I believe is that if you train and play wholeheartedly, you can create an environment for yourself where you can perform. I kept my efforts up over the last couple of years. I think I can play for a little while longer.”
Angelo Mathews to play in the T20 World Cup 2024?
However, now, after nearly three years and with Angelo Mathews, aged 36, he’s made a successful comeback to the side. Talking about what he was conveying as far as his return to T20I cricket is concerned, he said:
“The communication with me and the new selectors is quite clear. They asked me what my plans were for the future and [told me] their plans as well. We had a very good discussion. They said that I’m in their plans for the T20 World Cup, and if I could bowl a few overs. I said: ‘Absolutely – if I can help the team in any way.”
“I’ve been bowling in the LPL as well, and you saw me bowling in the [domestic] one-dayers as well recently. If I can bowl a few overs that helps the balance of the team and the captain can decide whether he wants to play an extra batter or a bowler,” he concluded.
