Sri Lankan cricket great Angelo Mathews bid farewell to Test cricket following the conclusion of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Galle International Stadium . The 36-year-old walked off the field for the final time in whites after a remarkable career that spanned over 15 years. He received a guard of honour from the Bangladesh team in recognition of his contributions to the game.
Mathews retires with 8,241 runs in 119 Tests at an average of 44.4, along with 33 wickets. He made his Test debut in 2009 and captained Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, including a memorable victory at Headingley in 2014. He finishes as Sri Lanka’s third-highest run-scorer in the format, behind only legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene .
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
“Since I announced my retirement, I can't believe the love that I have received so far. I am certainly overwhelmed. Ever so grateful to all those who supported me right throughout. It wasn't an easy journey; there were a lot of ups and downs, happiness and sadness. But through it all, I was able to do it because of the support that I have received,” Mathews said after the match.
“(Emotional?) Well, obviously. Retiring from the best format, the format that I loved playing. It's time for the younger players to take the baton and drive Sri Lanka through. We certainly have the young talent in the dressing room. I should congratulate Bangladesh, they've had a wonderful Test match,” he added.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah also extended his wishes, writing, “Congratulations on a fantastic Test career, Angelo Mathews! More than 8000 runs across 16 years shows your dedication and longevity in whites, and sets an example for future stars of the game.”
When asked about his fondest memories in Test cricket, Mathews reflected, “The win against England in England and whitewashing the Australians in Sri Lanka 3-0, that was a huge highlight and honour achieved by the entire team. I am thankful to all the players who have supported me throughout, the coaches, and all the fans for being there with me. The love that I have received, thank you so much.”
The match itself ended in a tense draw—the first of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. Chasing 296 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka opted for caution and closed at 72/4. Mathews, fittingly, was one of the wickets claimed in the final session, with Taijul Islam (3/23) leading the late charge for Bangladesh.
Mathews retires with 8,241 runs in 119 Tests at an average of 44.4, along with 33 wickets. He made his Test debut in 2009 and captained Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, including a memorable victory at Headingley in 2014. He finishes as Sri Lanka’s third-highest run-scorer in the format, behind only legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene .
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
“Since I announced my retirement, I can't believe the love that I have received so far. I am certainly overwhelmed. Ever so grateful to all those who supported me right throughout. It wasn't an easy journey; there were a lot of ups and downs, happiness and sadness. But through it all, I was able to do it because of the support that I have received,” Mathews said after the match.
“(Emotional?) Well, obviously. Retiring from the best format, the format that I loved playing. It's time for the younger players to take the baton and drive Sri Lanka through. We certainly have the young talent in the dressing room. I should congratulate Bangladesh, they've had a wonderful Test match,” he added.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah also extended his wishes, writing, “Congratulations on a fantastic Test career, Angelo Mathews! More than 8000 runs across 16 years shows your dedication and longevity in whites, and sets an example for future stars of the game.”
Congratulations on a fantastic Test career, Angelo Mathews! More than 8000 runs across 16 years shows your dedication and longevity in whites, and sets an example for future stars of the game.@OfficialSLC pic.twitter.com/50kJeNB3EU
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 21, 2025
When asked about his fondest memories in Test cricket, Mathews reflected, “The win against England in England and whitewashing the Australians in Sri Lanka 3-0, that was a huge highlight and honour achieved by the entire team. I am thankful to all the players who have supported me throughout, the coaches, and all the fans for being there with me. The love that I have received, thank you so much.”
The match itself ended in a tense draw—the first of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. Chasing 296 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka opted for caution and closed at 72/4. Mathews, fittingly, was one of the wickets claimed in the final session, with Taijul Islam (3/23) leading the late charge for Bangladesh.
You may also like
Police officer dies on duty as force left 'devastated' by 'unexplained' death
Mithi River Chokes Under The Weight Of Urban Apathy: The Struggle To Reclaim A Dying Artery
Nicola Peltz Beckham's pals say 'attacks' and 'false claims' getting out of hand
Climate change could slash crop yields by a quarter, alarming new research reveals
Palghar News: Woman Assaulted In Mumbai Local, Alleges Police Took Bribe To Bury Case; Probe Ordered
