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Frustrated Angelo Mathews takes sabbatical from international cricket

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Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews has taken a sabbatical from international cricket and has opted out from the limited-overs series against India. However, his remaining Sri Lankan teammates have signed the much debated tour contract ahead of the India series and will be playing taking part in all six games, Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) have confirmed on Wednesday, 7 July. 

Mathews who has been one of the most consistent performers for his national side was considered among the 30 nominated by the board for the white ball series against India. While 29 of them have signed the contract, Mathews has opted out of the c0ntract citing personal reasons. 

"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that 29 players, out of the 30 members nominated by the cricket selectors to be considered for the white-ball series against India, have signed the tour contract," the SLC said in a statement.

"Angelo Mathews... requested Sri Lanka Cricket to relieve him from national duties, owing to personal reasons, until further notice,” the statement added. 

The former Sri Lankan skipper last played for the national side during the Caribbean tour earlier this year. He was subsequently dropped in May along with several other senior cricketers as the selectors wanted to move forward keeping an eye on the ODI World Cup slated to be played in India in 2023. 

The Sri Lankan cricket team are currently going through their toughest phases in international cricket. Failing to show any resistance in the limited-overs series, they were whitewashed by England in both formats of the game.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella were sent back home midway through the tour after they breached the bio-bubble protocols. They could be in line for a lengthy suspension. 

The limited-overs series involving Sri Lanka and India kicks off on 13th July with three ODIs and the same number of T20s. The Indian side will be led by Shikhar Dhawan in the absence of several of their first-choice players. Despite sending a second-string side, India will start as outright favourites and will look to ease past the struggling Lankans. 

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