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In a heartfelt announcement that marks the end of a golden chapter in Sri Lankan cricket, Angelo Mathews has declared his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtains down on a legendary red-ball career that spanned over 15 years. The seasoned Sri Lanka all-rounder, now 37 years old, revealed that the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh in June 2025 at Galle will be his final appearance in whites.
Mathews, who debuted at the same venue in 2009 against Pakistan, will walk off the Test stage with an incredible legacy that has helped shape the modern history of Sri Lankan cricket. His Test retirement sends a wave of emotion across the cricketing world, especially among fans in Sri Lanka, for whom Mathews has been a symbol of resilience, consistency, and leadership.
A Test Career to Remember
From his very first match in 2009 to his soon-to-be final Test in 2025, Angelo Mathews’ Test career has been nothing short of remarkable. In 118 matches, he has amassed 8,167 runs at an average above 45, making him the third-highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in Tests, behind only legends Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardena (11,814).
He was not just a batter; Mathews’ medium-pace bowling contributed significantly at crucial moments. With 33 Test wickets, he provided the team with balance as a dependable all-rounder. One of his most notable bowling performances came at Headingley in 2014, where he picked up 4/44 in the first innings and followed it up with a heroic 160 in the second innings, leading Sri Lanka to a historic win against England and earning the Player of the Match award.
Galle: A Special Venue
Mathews’ final Test will take place in Galle, the same venue where he began his red-ball journey. Over the years, Galle has become a special ground for him. He holds the record for the second-most runs at Galle, scoring 2206 runs in 33 matches — a testament to his comfort and dominance on Sri Lanka’s turning pitches.
A Leader and Role Model
Beyond the runs and wickets, Mathews made a name for himself as a leader. He captained the Sri Lankan Test side in 34 matches from 2013 to 2017, winning 13 of them, making him Sri Lanka’s third most successful Test captain. His leadership during difficult transitional years helped the team stay competitive on the world stage, even as senior players like Sangakkara and Jayawardena retired.
Notable Test Performances
Some of Angelo Mathews’ finest moments in Test cricket include:
- 200 against Zimbabwe in Harare (2020)* – A masterclass in patience and technique.
- 160 vs England at Headingley (2014) – A match-winning effort with bat and ball.
- 157 vs Australia in Colombo (2016) – Cementing Sri Lanka’s series victory against the Aussies.
- Consistent performances against top sides like India, South Africa, and Pakistan, proving his world-class caliber.
The Emotional Farewell
Announcing his retirement via social media on May 23, 2025, Mathews wrote:
“It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, International Test Cricket!”
“The past 17 years of playing cricket for Sri Lanka has been my highest honour and pride. I have given my everything to cricket and Cricket has given me everything in return.”
“The first Test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country.”
His message has been met with an outpouring of support from fans, teammates, and former legends. Mahela Jayawardena, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers, praised Mathews’ “glittering Test career” during The ICC Review, calling him “a pillar of strength in Sri Lankan cricket for over a decade.”
Still Available for White-Ball Cricket
While his Test retirement is official, Mathews has made it clear that he is not stepping away from the sport entirely. He remains available for white-ball cricket and could play a role in Sri Lanka’s upcoming ODI and T20 campaigns. His last appearance in limited-overs came during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where he featured in the group-stage clash against New Zealand.
Most Test Runs for Sri Lanka (as of 2025)
| Rank | Player | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kumar Sangakkara | 12,400 |
| 2 | Mahela Jayawardena | 11,814 |
| 3 | Angelo Mathews | 8,167 |
| 4 | Dimuth Karunaratne | 7,222 |
| 5 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 6,973 |
Legacy Beyond Numbers
What makes Angelo Mathews’ Test career special is not just the numbers, but the impact he had on and off the field. A true team player, a mentor to youngsters, and a fighter in adversity, Mathews leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Sri Lankan cricketers.
His calm demeanor, ability to anchor the innings, and knack for delivering under pressure made him a fan favorite and a backbone of the Sri Lankan batting lineup.As Angelo Mathews prepares to don the white jersey one last time, the cricketing world stands in respect and admiration. His Test retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue in dressing rooms, stadiums, and among fans for years to come.
We salute a true Sri Lankan legend — thank you, Angelo, for the memories, the runs, the leadership, and the pride you’ve brought to the game.
