Mathews takes T20 reins

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Angelo Mathews has been handed the captaincy of Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 team for a one-year period.

All-rounder Mathews is thought to be the leading candidate to take over as Sri Lanka’s skipper in all three forms when Mahela Jayawardene steps down. The latter relinquished the T20 reins earlier this month.

Ashantha de Mel, Sri Lanka’s chief selector, said: “We are giving Mathews a free hand to captain the T20 side for one year, after which we will review his performance.”

Mathews’ spell at the helm begins with a T20 against New Zealand in Pallekele on Tuesday. Experienced paceman Lasith Malinga will serve as vice-captain.