Angelo Mathews takes sly dig at Steven Smith over his midway withdrawal from the ODI series

Cricket Australia’s amusing decision to withdraw skipper Steven Smith midway through the ODI series to ‘freshen’ him up for their next assignment against South Africa has drawn in much criticism from various quarters, including the South African duo of Graeme Smith and Dale Steyn.

Now Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews has joined the chorus aiming a sly dig at his Australian counterpart.

While Australia’s head coach Darren Lehmann vehemently defended the decision which he said was taken by himself and the selection panel with Australia’s packed schedule in mind, Mathews said that he would never have left a tour midway, especially if his team were struggling as much as the visitors have been in Sri Lanka.

“They have their own player-management system,” Mathews said on Saturday on the eve of Sunday’s third match in Dambulla, “But honestly, if it was me I wouldn’t have because it is a tough tour and you need the captain alongside the playing 11. I don’t think we as players have any issues with that.”

David Warner to lead Australia

David Warner will step into Smith’s shoes for the remaining three ODIs as well as the two-match T20 series that will bring the tour to a conclusion, with the Australian opener finally getting his crack at captaining the national team after successfully guiding Sunrisers Hyderabad to IPL glory in the 2016 edition.

Mathews though is focused on getting things right as far as his own side is concerned regardless of whom the opposition puts out as skipper.

“David Warner is an aggressive player,” Mathews said. “Regardless of Steven Smith or David Warner as the captain, we have to concentrate on all the playing 11 and try to beat them once again tomorrow. It’s one-all and it’s anyone’s game. Yes, we have the slightest edge but we’re not going to take it lightly.”

Mathews not worried about player confrontations

Mathews played down the player confrontations that marred the second ODI, including Mitchell Starc throwing the ball in the direction of Dinesh Chandimal as well as Thisara Perera’s send-off against David Warner after claiming his wicket, both of which has been punished by the ICC.

“It was just the heat of the moment. It happens all the time,” Mathews said. “We’ve exchanged a few words. It happens in cricket. The guys can go a little overboard sometimes and that’s why the ICC have to step in and take those decisions.”

Sri Lankan captain praises veteran Dilshan

Mathews also offered a glowing tribute to veteran batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, who will be retiring from international cricket at the conclusion of the present tour ,comparing him to Sri Lankan legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

“He has equalled the services of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara,” Mathews said about the 39-year-old Dilshan.