Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews to Retire from Test Cricket After Bangladesh Series

Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder Angelo Mathews has announced his retirement from Test cricket. He confirmed that the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh next month will be his final Test. The match will mark the end of his long and successful red-ball career.
Mathews shared the news on his official social media account on Friday. He wrote, “My dear friends and family, with a grateful heart and unforgettable memories. It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, International Test Cricket!”
Notably, Mathews has played Test cricket for 17 years. He made his debut in 2009 and became one of the pillars of the Sri Lankan team. He has scored 8167 runs in 118 matches with an average of 44.62. His record includes 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries.

He was also a handy bowler and a strong leader on the field. In his farewell message, Mathews further said, “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.

Angelo Mathews Thanks His Supporters

Mathews is considered one of the modern greats of Sri Lankan cricket. He played many anchoring innings for his country and helped the team win many matches. His calm and steady presence in the middle order was important for the team. He also thanked everyone who supported him throughout his career.

He wrote, “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. I want to thank almighty GOD, my beloved parents, my beautiful wife and amazing children, along with my family and closest friends who have collectively always believed in me, backed me, and stood by me through and through.”

Angelo Mathews To Play his Last Test Match against Bangladesh

Mathews also talked about how he will always love the game, even though he is stepping away from Tests, and confirmed the first Test match against Bangladesh in June to be his last red-ball appearance for Sri Lanka. “A chapter ends, but the love for the game will always remain. The first Test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country.”
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will start their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with the Bangladesh series. In the previous WTC cycle (2023-25), Sri Lanka played 13 Tests. They won five matches and lost eight. The team finished sixth in the WTC points table.
Bangladesh also had a tough time in the last cycle. They won four matches out of 12 and ended in seventh place.
Mathews will now focus on shorter formats and will get to spend more time with his family. His retirement from Tests is a big moment for Sri Lankan cricket. The upcoming series will be emotional for fans and players as they say goodbye to a legend of the game.