Angelo Mathews Test Retirement: Sri Lanka Great to Retire After Bangladesh Test

Angelo Mathews to Retire from Test Cricket: A Fitting Farewell to a Sri Lankan Great

After a remarkable 15-year career that spanned continents, milestones, and countless match-winning contributions, Angelo Mathews, one of Sri Lanka’s most seasoned cricketers, has officially announced that he will retire from Test cricket following the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh in Galle this June. The match at Galle is symbolic for Mathews it’s not just the end, but also where it all began, as he made his Test debut at the same venue back in 2009 against Pakistan.

A Career Etched in Sri Lankan Cricket History

Angelo Mathews has long been the anchor of Sri Lanka’s Test side. Whether as a dependable batter, a clever medium-pacer, or a tactical leader, Mathews’ impact on the red-ball format has been immense. Over 118 Test matches, he has scored 8,167 runs at an average of 44.62 making him Sri Lanka’s third-highest run-scorer in Tests behind only the legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

He has recorded 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries, consistently delivering under pressure and often when Sri Lanka needed it most. But Mathews wasn’t just a run machine. His all-round capabilities, especially in his early years, made him a valuable asset. He also chipped in with the ball, taking 33 wickets in Tests, with a best of 4/44 figures that came in a famous win against England at Headingley in 2014.

A Leader Who Inspired

Mathews was appointed Sri Lanka’s Test captain in 2013, a position he held until 2017. In those four years, he led the team in 34 Tests, winning 13 of them. While the era had its challenges, his captaincy saw Sri Lanka notch significant victories, including a memorable Test series win in England one of the most iconic achievements in Sri Lanka's Test history.

One of the defining moments of Mathews' career came during that 2014 England tour. His match-winning 160 in the second innings at Headingley, backed by four wickets in the first innings, sealed a famous win and earned him the Player of the Match award. It was not just a personal high, but a moment that elevated Sri Lanka’s stature in world cricket.

The Grit Behind the Numbers

What sets Mathews apart is his ability to rise in adversity. Injuries were frequent companions in his career, and yet, he kept bouncing back. When many had written him off, he would quietly go about proving them wrong with an innings of substance or a gutsy spell with the ball.

His 200 not out against Zimbabwe in 2020 remains a perfect example of that grit. A marathon innings, marked by patience and endurance, that saved Sri Lanka from a precarious position. It wasn’t flashy, but it was classic Mathews disciplined, determined, and effective.

A Humble Farewell

On May 23, 2025, Mathews posted an emotional message on social media confirming that the first Test against Bangladesh will be his final red-ball appearance for Sri Lanka.

“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.”

He thanked his fans, teammates, and the game itself for shaping him into the person he is today. It’s a message steeped in sincerity and humility qualities that have defined Mathews both on and off the field.

Not Done Yet: White-Ball Cricket Awaits

While the Galle Test will mark the end of his Test journey, Mathews has made it clear that he is not retiring from all formats. He remains available for selection in ODIs and T20Is. Although his last white-ball appearance came during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where Sri Lanka had a tough outing, his experience could still be invaluable in transitional phases or for key series.

With Sri Lanka set to build for the 2027 World Cup cycle and the 2026 T20 World Cup, Mathews might still have a role to play, especially in a mentorship or backup capacity.

The End of an Era

Angelo Mathews' departure from the Test arena marks the closing of a crucial chapter in Sri Lankan cricket. For over a decade, he has carried the middle order, often walking in under pressure and walking out having stabilized the innings. His partnership-building ability, calm under fire, and intelligent game management will be hard to replace.

He retires not just with numbers, but with the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and fans around the globe. Few players have carried the Sri Lankan badge with such dignity, versatility, and dedication.

What Comes Next?

There’s speculation that Mathews may take up mentoring or coaching roles in the future. With his deep understanding of the game, tactical mind, and calm demeanor, he would be a natural fit in player development roles or even as a consultant with Sri Lanka Cricket.

For now, all eyes turn to Galle. It will be an emotional occasion not just for Mathews, but for every Sri Lankan cricket fan who grew up watching him rescue innings, lead the team through transitions, and represent the island with class.

As the Galle Fort looms in the background, the curtain will fall on one of Sri Lanka’s most storied careers. But the legacy Angelo Mathews leaves behind will continue to inspire for generations.