Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka’s Star All-Rounder, Says Goodbye to Test Cricket

It hasn’t been a good month for cricket fans, as another Test icon bids farewell to the format following India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Sri Lanka’s great and former skipper Angelo Mathews has retired from Test cricket, calling time on an illustrious career with both bat and ball.

Mathews represented Sri Lanka in 118 Tests over a span of 17 years. He scored 8,167 runs—third-most for Sri Lanka after Mahela Jayawardene (11,814) and Kumar Sangakkara (12,400). He notched up 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries. He was also handy with the ball, taking 33 wickets for his side.

Mathews captained the Sri Lankan side between 2013 and 2017. He remains the third most successful captain in Sri Lanka’s Test history, with 13 wins out of 34 matches as skipper.

The former captain took to social media to announce his retirement and thank those who supported him throughout his career. He wrote:
"The past 17 years of playing cricket for Sri Lanka has been my highest honour and pride. Nothing can match that feeling of patriotism and servitude when one dons the national jersey."
"I have given my everything to cricket, and cricket has given me everything in return. It has made me the person I am today. I stand grateful to the game and thankful to the thousands of Sri Lanka cricket fans who have stood by me throughout my career—during my highest of highs and lowest of lows. The first Test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country," he added.

Mathews, however, confirmed that he will still be available for the first Test against Bangladesh if required. He hasn’t been part of the Test side since February last year. Most recently, he was part of the Sri Lankan squad in the 2023 ODI World Cup and featured in the group match against New Zealand.

Mathews made his Test debut in 2009 against Pakistan at Galle. Fittingly, the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will also be played at the same venue—offering a perfect send-off for one of the greatest servants of Sri Lankan cricket.