Thigh strain could restrict Mathews' participation in ongoing second Test

Angelo Mathews' role in the ongoing second Test against West Indies in Galle could be substantially restricted after he picked up a thigh strain on the second morning.

He sustained the injury while running a single in Sri Lanka's first innings, and ended up having to retire hurt, when on 12, presumably to receive further treatment in the dressing room.

Mathews did return to bat after a gap of just under eight overs, during which four Sri Lanka wickets fell. Coming in essentially at No. 10, Mathews completed only one hobbled single, choosing instead to remain in his crease and try to clobber boundaries. He hit two straight sixes and a four in the company of the tail, before becoming the last batter to be dismissed, scoring 29 of Sri Lanka's 204.

When West Indies came out to bat, Mathews did not take the field. He had been expected to bowl in this match, but that now looks unlikely. He will be assessed over the next 24 hours, but given his long-standing problems with hamstring, quad, and calf injuries, it is possible that he will not field, and only bat if required.

This is Mathews' first international series since May. In the first Test, he had hit 3 and 69 not out.