Sri Lankan cricketing legend Angelo Mathews has announced his retirement from international Test cricket. The 37-year-old shared on May 23rd that his final Test match will be against Bangladesh in June.
Angelo Mathews Retirement: In the world of cricket, some names transcend the sport itself, becoming synonymous with a spirit of the game. Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka is one such name. Known for his calm demeanor, dedication, and all-around talent, he has decided to bid farewell to Test cricket. On May 23rd, he announced this via an emotional Instagram post, stating that the Test match against Bangladesh in June will be his last.
From Galle to Galle
It's a unique coincidence for any player to begin and end their career at the same ground. Angelo Mathews made his Test debut in Galle against Pakistan in 2009. Now, in 2025, almost 17 years later, he will take the field in whites for Sri Lanka one last time at this historic venue. The Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh begins on June 17th, and Mathews will only play the first match in Galle.
Mathews: More Than Just Statistics
Mathews' Test achievements firmly place him among Sri Lanka's greats. He scored 8,167 runs in 118 Test matches, establishing him as Sri Lanka's third-highest Test run-scorer. Only the legendary Kumar Sangakkara (12,400 runs) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814 runs) are ahead of him.
But Mathews was not just a batsman; he was a complete all-rounder. He also claimed 33 wickets in his Test career and often steered the team through difficult situations.
National Service: The Greatest Pride
In his retirement message, Mathews wrote that wearing the Sri Lankan jersey and representing his country has been the greatest honor of his life. He emphasized that playing for the nation is a feeling akin to national service. This message touched the hearts of millions of fans, and social media lauded him with titles like "Legend" and "Silent Warrior".
ODI and T20 Journey Continues
It's noteworthy that Mathews has only retired from Test cricket. He will continue to represent Sri Lanka in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). To date, he has scored 5,916 runs and taken 126 wickets in 226 ODIs, and in 90 T20Is, he has amassed 1,416 runs and 45 wickets. Mathews' international career boasts a total of 15,499 runs and 204 wickets, including 19 international centuries and 91 half-centuries.
However, statistics don't tell the whole story of his contribution. When the team was in crisis, Mathews emerged as a savior—whether it was batting, bowling, or captaincy. Although Mathews has retired from Test cricket, his experience and guidance will remain a legacy for future generations. Many young players have learned from him that the game is not just about the scoreboard but also a test of composure, dedication, and courage.
