The hundred at Kotla will always remain special for Mathews as this is his first on Indian soil
As Sri Lanka’s most experienced player was getting closer to his most difficult century here at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Monday, it was yet another reminder to him about the last one year when he has missed many matches and series due to repeated injuries.
The 30-year-old needed it more than anyone else in his dressing room as he wanted to end his century draught of last two years. This entire 2017 has treated him harshly as he could only manage two fifties from the 16 innings he played before Delhi Test.
But, it was certainly not easy for him. The batsman on the other end, Dinesh Chandimal, was getting treatment for breathlessness. And he also knew that to score on Kotla track, it requires patience and a marathon effort in the challenging situation. He did exactly the same, but with the help of Indian fielders, as he lasted for six hours to score his 111.
“I am very pleased and it is a big relief as well,” said a relieved Mathews after completing his ninth Test hundred.
“I knew I was hitting the ball well in the nets. After the Kolkata Test, where I got a good start, I was disappointed that I couldn’t capitalise on it. I had the confidence as I was hitting the ball well in the nets and it all came good today. Once I had a start, I wanted to capitalise (on it),” he said.
The hundred at Kotla will always remain special for Mathews as this is his first on Indian soil. During his previous tour in 2009, he was got run out on 99 in the Mumbai Test. Being just a 22-year-old then, the youngest player of the visiting side had failed to control his tears of disappointment then. “Thanks to the television crew, I saw it on the big screen when I was in 90s today,” he said.
“I am bit more mature nowadays. I have played a bit of cricket. I didn’t try to think about it too much although to be very frank, I wanted that hundred badly as I was waiting for this opportunity. They were bowling really well. We had to grind and work hard. Chandi’s (skipper) knock was so fluent,” added Mathews.
Asked how difficult was it to bat there in the middle amidst high pollution levels, Mathews said: “It is always the same. Look, it is up to the match referee and umpires to take the decision. We are here to play cricket and we want to get out to the park. It is up to the officials to take the decision. It is pretty much the same. Or bit worse probably. You have got to deal with what you have.”
Does he want specific rules to come up to deal with this kind of situation? “Look, that’s once again up to the match referee to talk to the ICC. This was a unique occasion. We have had never this sort of things. I am sure the officials will address the issue.”
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 "Angelo Mathews")
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