New Delhi
Former Sri Lanka cricket captain Angelo Mathews has announced his retirement from Test cricket. He will play his final Test match against Bangladesh in Galle from June 17 to 21. This game will mark the end of a long and successful Test career.
Mathews has played 118 Test matches, scoring 8,167 runs with an average of 44.62. He has also taken 33 wickets. He made his Test debut in 2009 and will turn 38 next week.
In a social media post, Mathews wrote, “It is time to say goodbye to Test cricket, the format I love the most.” He thanked Sri Lanka Cricket and fans for their support over the past 17 years.
Mathews said it was an honor to play for Sri Lanka. He expressed deep pride in wearing the national jersey. He also thanked his parents, wife, children, family, and friends for always believing in him.
Mathews led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests and is the third-highest run-scorer for the country in Tests after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. One of his most memorable moments as captain was a win at Headingley in 2014.
Although stepping away from Test matches, Mathews said he will still be available for one-day and T20 matches if needed.
He believes this is the right time to make way for younger players. He ends this chapter with love for the game still strong in his heart. His retirement marks the close of a golden era in Sri Lankan cricket.
