Hayley Matthews Ruled Out of Final ODI Against Sri Lanka Due to Illness

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews' absence due to illness has dealt a significant blow to the team's hopes of salvaging the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Matthews, who missed the second ODI in Hambantota, will also sit out the third and final match on June 21.

Matthews' absence is a major setback for West Indies, who have already conceded the series 2-0. The 24-year-old all-rounder has been a key figure for the team in recent years, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2022 Women's World Cup.

In the nine ODIs she has played since the start of 2023, Matthews has scored 519 runs at an average of 74.14, including three centuries. She has also taken 11 wickets, the joint-highest with Afy Fletcher.

Matthews' absence will be particularly felt in the batting department, where West Indies have struggled in the series so far. In the second ODI, they were bowled out for just 92 runs, their lowest total in ODIs since 2019.

Shemaine Campbelle, who led the team in Matthews' absence in the second ODI, is likely to continue as captain for the third match. However, West Indies will need to find a way to replace Matthews' all-round contributions if they are to avoid a whitewash.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has expressed hope that Matthews will recover in time for the three-match T20I series, which begins on June 24 at the same venue.

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