Smith departure questioned
SRI Lankan captain Angelo Mathews would not have left his men during a difficult tour like Aussie skipper Steve Smith.
The Australian captain was sent home on Thursday after Australia had played two matches of five one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, and following a 3-0 Test series defeat.
Chief selector Rod Marsh and coach Darren Lehmann urged Smith to take a break and he had reluctantly agreed, Smith said.
The skipper will also miss two Twenty20 games in Sri Lanka in a bid to freshen up for next month’s one-day series in South Africa.
Matthews said the tougher the tour, the more important it was for the captain to be around.
“They have their own player-management system,” Mathews said on the eve of last night’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.”
Australia’s tour has been largely unsuccessful with the pressure squarely on the visitors.
That pressure has led to a series of on-field clashes and Aussie quick Mitchell Starc, one of the few shining lights against Sri Lanka was reprimanded for throwing the ball in the direction of batsman Di- nesh Chandimal in the last clash.
Sri Lankan quick Thisara Perera was also fined 15 per cent of his match fee for giving David Warner a send-off after taking his wicket but Matthews downplayed any suggestions of animosity between the camps.
“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.
“We have played the game in good spirit so far and hopefully we can continue in the same manner in the next few games as well.”
Sri Lanka thrashed Australian three-nil in the Test series earlier this month and Matthews said that his side retains a mental edge in the one-day series as well.
“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,” he said.
‘Honestly, if it was me I wouldn’t have (gone home) because it is a tough tour and you need the captain alongside the playing 11.’ ANGELO MATTHEWS ON STEVE SMITH