Sri Lanka’s experienced all-rounder Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket and will bid farewell to the format after the first Test of the series against Bangladesh in June 2025. While ending his long and successful red-ball career, Mathews remains open to playing limited-overs cricket for his country in the future.
Angelo Mathews Announces Retirement from Test Cricket
Sri Lanka’s seasoned all-rounder Angelo Mathews has confirmed his decision, making headlines as Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket following the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on June 17 at the Galle International Stadium. The 38-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday just before the match, plans to bring down the curtain on a remarkable red-ball career that started at the very same venue back in July 2009. Although stepping away from the longest format, Mathews has expressed his willingness to continue representing Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket “if and when my country needs me.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Mathews reflected on his journey:
“It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, international Test Cricket! I have given everything to cricket and cricket has given me everything in return and made me the person I am today.”
The upcoming Galle Test will be Mathews’ 119th appearance in Test cricket, including 34 matches as captain. Throughout his career, he has etched his name among Sri Lanka’s cricketing greats. With over 8,100 runs at an impressive average of 44.62, including 16 centuries and a highest score of an unbeaten 200, Mathews is poised to finish as the third-highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in Tests behind only legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Additionally, he contributed with the ball by taking 33 wickets during his career.
Mathews’ career has been marked by several memorable moments, including an exceptional period between 2013 and 2015. During these three years, he maintained astonishing batting averages of 74.60, 77.33, and 42.25 respectively, scoring six hundreds and 12 fifties. One of his standout performances was a gritty 160 runs in the second innings of Sri Lanka’s famous victory over England at Headingley in 2014. Despite facing ups and downs later in his career, Mathews showcased his class by averaging over 50 in both 2022 and 2023, adding four more centuries to his tally. His most recent century came against Afghanistan in 2024, demonstrating that his skill and determination remain intact.
Mathews expressed his gratitude towards cricket and Sri Lankan fans who stood by him through the highs and lows of his career:
“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.”
Acknowledging the rise of young talent within the national setup, Mathews emphasized the importance of making way for the next generation:
“I believe this Test team is a talented side with many future and present greats playing the game. Now seems like the best time to make way for a younger player to take the mantle to shine for our nation.”
As Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket, this chapter of his illustrious career draws to a close, yet his passion and love for the game remain strong. His departure marks the end of an era for Sri Lanka, but his legacy as a dependable middle-order batsman and a valuable all-rounder will continue to inspire future cricketers.
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