5 Reasons why England can win the ODI series vs Sri Lanka

#3 Angelo Mathews' absence

Mathews was asked to step down as skipper before being dropped the squad altogether

One of the biggest fallouts from Sri Lanka's Asia Cup exit was the ouster of skipper Angelo Mathews not just as skipper but from the squad altogether, citing fitness concerns.

The 31-year-old's well-documented error of judgment in running between the wickets came to fore yet again during the Asia Cup, but the manner of his ouster, after being initially asked to step down as skipper and then being sidelined entirely, doesn't bode well for a team which is struggling to maintain their status as a force in the modern era.

Mathews has been one of Sri Lanka's most consistent performers over the years, and though he rarely bowls now owing to his injury troubles, his vast experience and batting credentials are enough to warrant a place in the side which is struggling to find someone who can lead them from the front.

What is clear is that a rift has occurred between Mathews and Sri Lankan head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe - the man who urged the all-rounder to take on the burden of captaincy, something he had relinquished in 2017, in the first place - and the sooner they resolve their differences, better it will be for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.