Angelo Mathews Announces Test Retirement

Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews has retired from Test cricket and will step away from the format following the conclusion of the first Test against Bangladesh in Galle next month. 

Mathews, a former captain of Sri Lanka across all formats, has had a distinguished career since making his debut. He was part of the Sri Lankan squad that clinched the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 title and also featured in the teams that reached the finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the 2009 ICC World Twenty20, and the 2012 ICC World Twenty20. 

Alongside Lasith Malinga, he holds the record for the highest ninth-wicket partnership in One Day Internationals. 

In a post shared on X, Mathews said, "It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, International Test Cricket. The past 17 years of playing cricket for Sri Lanka have 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 and made me the person that I am today.

"I stand grateful to the game and thankful to the thousands of Sri Lanka Cricket fans who have been there for me throughout my career during my highest of highs and lowest of lows."

Despite stepping down from red-ball cricket, the veteran all-rounder confirmed he will remain available for selection in limited-overs formats. His most recent appearance in white-ball cricket came during Sri Lanka's group-stage match against New Zealand at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.