Top News

New Delhi: Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews put an end to his  fantastic Test cricket career after the first match of the two-match series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ended in a draw on June 21 in Galle. This Test match was the last of his career. Angelo Mathews retires from Test cricket On his decision Angelo Mathews said the affection and support he received after announcing his retirement from Test cricket was a great experience for him. “Since I announced my retirement I can’t believe the love I have received. Ever so grateful to all those who supported me. It wasn’t an easy journey – lots of ups and downs. It’s time for the younger players to take the baton and take SL cricket forward. To win against England in England and whitewashing Australia in Sri Lanka. I am thankful to all the teammates coaches and the fans Angelo Mathews said after the match. Mathews received guard of honor in his last Test match In his last Test Angelo Mathews scored 39 off 69 balls in the first innings. Angelo Mathews scored 39 of 69 in the first inning of his last Test match. However in the second and final he was bowled out for only 8 runs in 45 balls. As he was returning back to the pavilion for the final time as a player after getting dismissed in second inning the players from Bangladesh gave him the guard of honor which was an emotional moment especially after the 2023 World Cup run out saga. 15 years of Test career Mathews’ Test career began in 2009 against Pakistan at the same Galle International Stadium. He was an important part of Sri Lankan cricket for 15 years where he played the role of a dependable batsman and useful bowler. According to statistics Angelo Mathews ranks among Sri Lanka’s most successful Test batsmen only behind Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in terms of runs. He amassed 8214 runs in 119 Test matches while Sangakkara scored 12400 and Jayawardene 11814. In addition to his batting Mathews also contributed with the ball taking 33 Test wickets. At Galle International Stadium he scored 2206 runs in 33 matches — the second-highest tally at this venue. Notably in 2013 he became the youngest player to captain Sri Lanka’s Test team when he was appointed to the role for the first time.