ISLAMABAD: Sri Lankan cricket veteran Angelo Mathews has formally announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a distinguished red-ball career that spanned almost 15 years.
The upcoming first Test against Bangladesh in June will be the 37-year-old’s final appearance in the whites for Sri Lanka.
Mathews broke the news through a heartfelt statement on social media, revealing his decision to step away from the format he described as the “most cherished” of his career.
“My dear friends and family, with a grateful heart and unforgettable memories, it’s time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game – International Test Cricket,” he wrote.
“Playing cricket for Sri Lanka over the past 17 years has been my greatest honour and source of pride. There is no feeling quite like the patriotism and sense of duty that comes with wearing the national jersey.”
Availability for ODIs and T20s
Though retiring from Test cricket, Mathews confirmed he remains available for selection in One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals “if and when my country needs me.”
The timing of his retirement coincides with Sri Lanka’s sparse red-ball schedule, with their next Test not expected until May 2026. This, combined with his impending 38th birthday, made the decision timely.
Since his debut in 2009, Mathews has been a dependable figure in Sri Lanka’s Test line-up. Over 119 matches, he amassed 8,167 runs at an average of 44.62, placing him third on the nation’s all-time run-scorers list, behind only Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
Among his 16 centuries, his unforgettable 160 at Headingley in 2014 stands out – a match-winning innings that remains one of Sri Lanka’s finest victories abroad.
Mathews career
Though not used extensively as a bowler, Mathews still claimed 33 wickets, often stepping up to break key partnerships or deliver crucial spells when needed.
His most prolific period came between 2013 and 2015, when he scored 2,378 runs at an impressive average of 59.45, predominantly from the lower middle order.
Mathews’ farewell message was marked by dignity and humility. He expressed his gratitude to fans, teammates, and the sport itself, reflecting on both the triumphs and challenges of his journey.
“I have given everything to cricket, and the game has given everything back to me. I am deeply grateful for what cricket has made of me,” he stated.
“I am thankful to the thousands of Sri Lankan fans who stood by me through my career, through the highs and the lows.”
Though stepping away from Test cricket, Angelo Mathews is not bidding farewell to international cricket altogether – he remains ready to don the Sri Lankan colours in limited-overs formats, should his country require his experience and skill.
