Angelo Mathews ruled out of first Australia Test

Hosts Sri Lanka had to deal with a major blow as one of their star all-rounders has been ruled out of the ongoing first Test match against Australia due to COVID-19 positive. Angelo Mathews was the player and the hosts made a like-for-like covid substitute according to the new ICC rules and regulations!

Image Credits: Sri Lanka Cricket

Oshada Fernando has been named in the playing XI as a replacement for Mathews. As per the new rules, the matches will now not be stopped after a player tests positive for coronavirus. Instead, the player will be made to isolate from the rest of the group while a like-a-like substitute is allowed for the remainder of the match!

"Angelo Mathews tested positive for Covid-19. He was found to be positive during a Rapid Anti-Gen Test Conducted on the player. The test was done, as the player was feeling unwell. He has been isolated from the rest of the team members and is following covid-19 protocols," shared Sri Lanka Cricket via their Twitter handle.

🔴 Angelo Mathews tested positive for Covid-19.
He was found to be positive during a Rapid Anti-Gen Test Conducted on the player.
The test was done, as the player was feeling unwell. He has been isolated from the rest of the team members and is following covid-19 protocols. pic.twitter.com/6fUBT7D04z

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 1, 2022

Mathews scored 39 runs facing 71 deliveries including 3 fours in Sri Lanka's first innings in the first Galle Test against Australia. As the match stand, Sri Lanka are in a very tough position after conceding a 109-run lead in the first innings.