Mathews not likely to bowl in Colombo

Captain Angelo Mathews isn't likely to bowl a lot, come Sri Lanka's second and final Test against South Africa, which will get underway in Galle on Thursday.

Captain Angelo Mathews isn't likely to bowl a lot, come Sri Lanka's second and final Test against South Africa, which will get underway in Galle on Thursday.

Mathews' seam played a vital role during an historic series win over England earlier this year, including a telling four-wicket haul, which contributed to a Man of the Match performance, at Headingley in Leeds.

The talented right-armer delivered just 11 overs in the first innings of the series opener against the Proteas at the Galle International Stadium – and didn't feature at all in the second.

"I am trying to manage my bowling because I am still struggling with my knee. There's a little bit of a niggle, especially in Test matches. It is usually a flat wicket here," said Mathews.

"It does a little bit in the morning session and then turns out to be a batting paradise. I hope it will be different. But whatever pitch we play on we've got to find ways to beat them. The wicket and the toss won't make a massive difference."

The all-rounder is enjoying a fine stretch of form with the bat in the longest format of the international game, though, on the back of twin tons against the English and a fine 89 against the South Africans.

While six in the order remains the right-hander's preferred position, promotion past the left-handed Lahiru Thirimanne or the veteran Mahela Jayawardene might beckon at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground – and during August's Tests against Pakistan.

"Going up the order is an option. Especially after the Pakistan series I might bat higher up, because Mahela is also retiring. Regardless of being the captain you are still a player in the team,"' he added.

You need to contribute with either bat or ball. I am just trying to keep it simple and score runs when I go to bat and pick up a few wickets when I bowl. The batters need to score runs to give the bowlers a chance. We haven't done that properly in the last few games."

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