Angelo Mathews has called time on his captaincy career in all three formats on Tuesday following his side 3-2 ODI series loss to Zimbabwe and described as one of the lowest points in his career. Zimbabwe, ranked 11th in the world, had never beaten Sri Lanka before this series and their triumph was all the sweeter after losing previous encounters with Scotland and Afghanistan.

Mathews has led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, 98 ODIs and 12 T20Is, having taken the responsibility at the age of 25, in 2013. Sri Lanka's campaigns in the 2015 World Cup, the 2016 World T20 and the 2017 Champions Trophy were disappointing, and even in the Test format, they suffered two 0-2 whitewashes in New Zealand, and a 0-3 result in South Africa. All told, Mathews has 13 Test victories to his name as captain, against 15 losses as a captain. Mathews captaincy was in doubt after he suffered multiple leg injuries.

Batsman Dinesh Chandimal and Upul Tharanga, as well as veteran spinner Rangana Herath are the leading contenders to fill up the empty spot. Sri Lanka are ranked eighth and have to face a tough five-match series at home to India while West Indies, ranked a place below, play the same number of matches against England before September.