South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2016/17, 2nd Test - 5 Talking Points

#2 Should Mathews be removed from captaincy?

Mathews has been regularly making baffling bowling changes

Angelo Mathews took over Sri Lanka’s Test captaincy from one of the nation’s shrewdest cricketing brains in Mahela Jayawardene. With the man himself still in the team alongside another decorated former skipper in Kumar Sangakkara, the right-hander received adequate advice on the intricacies of leadership. A drawn series in the UAE (the botched up Sharjah Test notwithstanding) was followed by series victories in England and against Pakistan at home.

Once the veterans rode off into the sunset, Mathews was tasked with the unenviable combination of inexperience and fragility. Apart from the home 3-0 whitewash of an Australian team completely out of depth against the turning ball, the recent phase of his captaincy has been riddled with numerous defeats.

With the all rounder’s baffling bowling changes and inexplicable field settings extending to this game as well, Sri Lanka may have to consider replacing him with the more vibrant Dinesh Chandimal.