Mathews cleared to play 2nd Test

Uncapped spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Dinuth Wellalage were on Tuesday drafted into Sri Lanka’s Covid-hit squad for the second Test against Australia. Left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama tested positive for coronavirus after former captain Angelo Mathews had to pull out on the third day of the opening Test with Covid.

Mathews has recovered from the virus and was cleared to play the second Test starting Friday in Galle, Sri Lanka Cricket said Tuesday.

“Medical clearance has been given for the player to engage in the game. Accordingly, Mathews will rejoin the team, starting today,” a statement read.

Theekshana and 19-year-old Wellalage are still to make their Test debuts but played key roles in Sri Lanka’s 3-2 one-day international series triumph over Australia last month. Left-arm spinner Wellalage was the leading wicket-taker in the series with nine dismissals, one ahead of Australia’s Pat Cummins. – AFP