Captain Angelo Mathews leads the way at the Sri Lanka Cricket Awards

Angelo Mathews
Angelo Mathews’ stellar performances in 2014 were recognized by the SLC

All-rounder Angelo Mathews swept the all major categories of the SLC awards for his remarkable consistency in 2014. ESPNCricinfo reported the Sri Lankan skipper dominated the awards ceremony by winning multiple honours for his amazing service to the sport in the island nation.

Even though the Sri Lankan team is wallowing in tough times due to the retirements of stalwarts such as Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews has stepped up his game to be the crisis man during various situations in all formats.

Mathews won the Cricketer of the Year, Test Batsman, ODI Batsman and All-rounder awards. The period in contention was from January to December of 2014 in which he amassed more than 1000 Test runs at a massive average of 77.33. In ODIs, he compiled in excess of 1200 runs at 62.20 and scalped 18 wickets at 36.16.

However, he still could not dislodge the iconic Sangakkara who took home the People’s Choice Award for the sixth consecutive year. The award was chosen through online votes and text messaging.

Best Sri Lankan bowlers of the year

Not surprisingly, Rangana Herath was adjudged the Test Bowler of the Year. Despite his creaky knees and ageing fingers, he conjured impressive spells with the ball against the likes of Pakistan and played a huge role in sealing Sri Lanka’s first Test series victory in England.

Ajantha Mendis was the ODI Bowler of the Year for picking 38 wickets at a spectacular average of 21.63. Kusal Perera was selected as the Emerging Player of the Year and T20 Batsman of the Year. He reinvented his batting in the limited-overs and came of age as a Test batsman.

Nuwan Kulasekara picked up the T20 bowling trophy. As part of the touring entourage, West Indian legends such as Clive Lloyd, Curtly Ambrose and Richie Richardson distributed a few awards.

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Edited by Staff Editor