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Key Points

Dinesh Chandimal shared a heartfelt tribute for Angelo Mathews as the veteran all-rounder prepares to retire from Test cricket. Mathews, Sri Lanka’s third-highest Test run-scorer, will play his final match in Galle, where he debuted in 2009. Chandimal praised Mathews as one of Sri Lanka’s rarest talents and a mentor on and off the field. The 37-year-old leaves Tests with over 8,000 runs and 33 wickets but will continue in white-ball cricket.

Key Points: Chandimal Hails Angelo Mathews as Rare Sri Lankan Cricket Gem

  • Mathews retires after 118 Tests with 8,167 runs
  • Third-highest Sri Lankan Test scorer behind Sangakkara & Jayawardene
  • Led Sri Lanka to 13 Test wins as captain
  • Played final match in Galle, his debut venue
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'One of the rarest players Sri Lankan cricket has ever produced': Chandimal's tribute to retiring Angelo Mathews

Dinesh Chandimal pays emotional tribute to retiring Angelo Mathews, calling him one of Sri Lanka’s rarest cricket talents ahead of his final Test.

"Angie, you are one of the rarest and most valuable players Sri Lankan cricket has ever produced. – Dinesh Chandimal"

New Delhi, June 16

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal penned a heartfelt tribute for ex-skipper Angelo Mathews, who is set to play his final Test match for Sri Lanka in Galle on Tuesday.

Last month, Mathews announced that he will retire from Tests upon the conclusion of the first match against Bangladesh in Galle. The 37-year-old, who made his Test debut at the same venue against Pakistan in 2009, has been a cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket for over 15 years, excelling as both an all-rounder and a leader.

"There is no doubt that, Angie, you are one of the rarest and most valuable players Sri Lankan cricket has ever produced. I consider it’s a privilege and a blessing to have played with such a talented player for such a long time. So, I have learnt a lot from you in my cricket career, both as a captain and as a player too," Chandimal shared on Instagram.

Aggregating 8,167 in 118 games, he is only behind Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardena (11,814) for most Test runs by a Sri Lankan. He also proved handy with the ball with 33 wickets to his name. He also has the second-most runs at Galle, with 2206 runs across 33 Test matches at the venue.

Mathews will have a chance to add to those runs and wickets in his 119th and final match in whites against Bangladesh, starting on Tuesday. He is also Sri Lanka’s third most successful Test captain, having led the side to 13 wins in 34 matches between 2013 and 2017.

"We will never get to see you and your beautiful smile, who have a humanity beyond that of a player, on the international Test cricket field after today. It’s not an easy thing for me to say goodbye to you, having played with you for a long time in international Test cricket.

"Wishing you nothing but the very best in this next chapter Angi. Sri Lankan test cricket will miss you very much. So lastly, I would say we came together on the field and built a lot of valuable scoring partnerships. But in the end, we built an even better friendship,' the post further read.

Mathews, however, will remain available for selection in the white-ball formats. His last appearance for Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket came during their group-stage clash against New Zealand at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a legend Mathews has been for SL cricket! 🏏 Remember that 2014 series in India where he fought so hard. As an Indian fan, I always respected his grit. Hope he enjoys retirement after this final Test. SL cricket won't be the same without him.
P
Priya M.
End of an era! Mathews was one of those rare players who could change the game with both bat and ball. His stats speak for themselves - 8000+ runs and 33 wickets is no joke. Wishing him all the best for his white-ball career and life beyond cricket.
A
Arjun S.
While Mathews was great, I feel he could have achieved even more if not for injuries. Still, what a career! That 160* against India in 2015 at Galle still gives me nightmares 😅 True servant of SL cricket.
S
Sunita R.
Beautiful tribute by Chandimal. Shows how much Mathews meant to his teammates. Cricket needs more such genuine friendships. Hope he gets a proper farewell at Galle - the same ground where it all began for him.
V
Vikram J.
Mathews was part of that golden generation with Sanga and Mahela. Though not as flashy, he was equally important. His captaincy during tough times deserves respect. Hope SL cricket finds worthy replacements soon.
N
Neha P.
Emotional moment for cricket lovers across the subcontinent! 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰 Mathews always played with dignity and passion. That's what makes our cricket culture special. Wishing him well for his future endeavors!

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