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Sri Lankan witnessed the end of a golden era on Friday, May 23, as veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews officially announced his retirement from Test. The announcement, made via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, marks the culmination of a stellar red-ball career that spanned 17 years and left an indelible mark on the island nation’s cricketing legacy.

At 37, Mathews has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s Test team for over a decade, celebrated not only for his consistency with the bat but also for his invaluable contributions with the ball and as a leader. The Colombo-born cricketer will play his final Test during the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, with the first match beginning on June 17. Fittingly, he will get the chance to bid farewell to the format in front of home fans, on familiar soil where his journey began.

A Towering Presence in Sri Lankan Cricket

Debuting in 2009, quickly established himself as a dependable and technically sound batsman, often anchoring innings under pressure and steering the team out of troubled waters. Over the course of his illustrious career, Mathews played 118 Test matches, amassing 8,167 runs at an impressive average of 44.62. His Test record includes 16 centuries and 38 half-centuries, making him Sri Lanka’s third all-time leading run-scorer, behind only Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.

While Mathews is primarily known for his batting prowess, his bowling added depth to the Sri Lankan attack. He claimed 33 Test wickets, including a memorable four-wicket haul, showcasing his utility as a genuine all-rounder. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs or tie down an end offered balance to the team, especially in conditions favoring spin.

A Captain with Character

From 2013 to 2017, Mathews took on the added responsibility of Test captaincy, leading Sri Lanka in 34 matches. Under his leadership, the team secured 13 wins, suffered 15 losses, and drew six. One of his most memorable achievements as captain came in 2014, when Sri Lanka won a historic Test series in England. Known for his calm demeanor and tactical nous, Mathews earned respect across the cricketing world for his sportsmanship and composure under pressure.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Mathews’ retirement message, shared on X, offered a heartfelt reflection on his remarkable journey in Test cricket. “With immense gratitude and countless cherished memories, the time has come for me to bid farewell to the most treasured format of the game—International Test Cricket,” he wrote. “Representing Sri Lanka over the past 17 years has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life. There is no feeling quite like the pride and patriotism that comes with wearing the national jersey.”

He went on to say: “I’ve poured my heart and soul into this game, and in return, cricket has given me everything — shaping me into the person I am today. The upcoming first Test against Bangladesh in June will mark my final appearance in the cherished red-ball format for my country.”

The Legacy He Leaves Behind

Angelo Mathews steps away from Test cricket as one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished all-rounders—a player who blended elegance with determination and style with strength. Time and again, his contributions served as the backbone of the team, especially during the challenging transition period that followed the departures of greats like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

As Sri Lanka continues to nurture its next generation of cricketers, Mathews’ influence will surely linger—whether through the lessons he imparted in the dressing room, the innings that inspired young players, or the leadership that guided the team through both triumphs and trials.

In an age of short-form dominance, Mathews remained a staunch defender of Test cricket’s values: patience, resilience, and the sheer joy of a long contest. His departure from the format leaves a void not easily filled, but his legacy is secure—etched in record books and in the hearts of fans.

As the curtain falls on Angelo Mathews’ Test career, Sri Lanka salutes not just a cricketer, but a gentleman of the game.

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