Mathews laments Sri Lanka's familiar failings

Acknowledging his side had been "outplayed in every department", Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews cut a dejected figure at the post-match presentation after his side suffered an innings defeat against South Africa.

Angelo Mathews suggested his players' lack of experience was a factor in his team's struggles in the South African tour.

Angelo Mathews bemoaned Sri Lanka's repetition of the same mistakes after it crumbled to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of South Africa in Johannesburg. Mathews' men had been well beaten in each of the first two Tests, but their tour reached a nadir on Saturday as they lost 16 wickets on Day Three at the Wanderers.

After resuming on 80 for 4 in its first innings, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 131 and 177 following on - > giving South Africa victory by an innings and 118 runs. Acknowledging his side had been "outplayed in every department", Mathews cut a dejected figure at the post-match presentation.

"We kept repeating the same mistakes and again here," said Sri Lanka's captain. "[There were] difficult conditions once again but you have to put the runs on the board to win a game. The batters really didn't stand up to the challenge."

Mathews highlighted a lack of experience as a key factor in his team's struggles. "For most of the guys it's [their] first time in South Africa and it's always a learning curve," he added. "The average age is between 19 and 23 but they are going to keep learning."