Lanka may get new ODI captain; Mathews, Chandimal in contention

Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal are in the running to be appointed captain of Sri Lanka's ODI squad, replacing current skipper Thisara Perera.

The decision was taken in a meeting attended by SLC office bearers, selectors and team head coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

"During the discussion, the Chairman of selectors informed me that they are considering appointing either Angelo Mathews or Dinesh Chandimal to fill the role," ESPNcricinfo quoted SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala, as saying.

The final call on the captaincy will be announced on January 9, before the islanders depart for the ODI tri-series in Bangladesh.

The shift in captaincy comes in less than two months after Perera was named as Sri Lanka's skipper for the ODI and T20I matches against India in November 2017, replacing Upul Tharanga.

The change came due to poor performance and whitewash losses under Tharanga's captaincy.

Both Mathews and Chandimal have led the 50-format side in the past.

Mathews had stepped down following the loss against Zimbabwe in July last year, while Chandimal, who is currently spearheading the Test team, has not consistently held a place in the playing XI for ODIs.