Mathews begged Sanga not to retire

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews says he has begged Kumar Sangakkara not to retire from the limited-overs format at the completion of the World Cup that is currently underway in Australia and New Zealand.
Sangakkara on Wednesday became the first player to score four consecutive ODI centuries, and veteran opener Tillakaratne Dilshan also scored a hundred, as Sri Lanka beat Scotland by 148 runs in Hobart in a World Cup Pool A clash.
The 37 year-old wicket-keeper batsman had already announced before the tournament that it would be his last in the ODI format for his country, but Mathews has tried to persuade him otherwise.
Mathews said: "I've been on my knees asking Kumar not to retire but we have to respect his wishes because we are thankful for all the times he has represented the country."
"The boys played really well and credit should go to Dilshan and Sangakkara, they are getting better and better with age.
"We have to take one game at a time and play positive cricket. If we can improve our bowling and fielding, it will be great but the batters have posted 300 four times in a row. That is never easy."
Latest
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.