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Key Points

Angelo Mathews expresses disappointment over Sri Lanka's shrinking Test calendar ahead of his farewell match. He argues smaller nations deserve more red-ball opportunities like cricket's 'Big Three'. The veteran all-rounder highlights the passion younger players have for Test cricket despite limited fixtures. His retirement marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket, leaving behind a legacy as one of their greatest Test batters.

Key Points: Angelo Mathews Urges More Test Cricket for Sri Lanka Before Retirement

  • Mathews laments Sri Lanka's limited Test schedule in 2025
  • Advocates for at least 10 Tests annually
  • Questions inequality compared to India, England, Australia
  • SL set for just 12 Tests in next WTC cycle
2 min read

We all should push for more Tests: Angelo Mathews reflects on Lack of Test cricket for Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan legend Angelo Mathews calls for more Test matches for smaller nations as he prepares for his final red-ball game against Bangladesh.

"We all should push for more Tests. These guys are so enthusiastic about Test cricket. – Angelo Mathews"

New Delhi June 16

Ahead of his final Test match against Bangladesh starting from Tuesday, former Sri Lanka (SL) captain Angelo Mathews reflected on the lack of Test cricket for nations outside of India, England and Australia.

Mathews, on May 23, announced that the first test match against Bangladesh in June will be his last red-ball appearance for his country. Sri Lanka will be playing just four Tests in 2025 - their lowest number of Tests in a calendar year since 2013.

"I think it's quite sad to be honest, I mean, the younger generation are urging for more Test cricket. Test cricket is obviously the pinnacle of cricket. We all should push for more Tests. These guys are so enthusiastic about Test cricket," Angelo Mathews said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

He also said Sri Lanka should play at least 10 test matches in a year and felt SL deserved to play Test cricket, just like Australia, India, and England.

"I feel there has to be a minimum of 10 matches at least [in a year]. Teams like England, India or Australia are playing 15-plus games a year. Why can't we play? We can. If we keep pushing, I mean, we have to. We have won World Cups. We have done so much for cricket as a nation, and we deserve to play Test cricket, just like Australia, India and England," he added.

In the upcoming World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, Australia are slated for 22 Tests, England 21, and 18 for India. Sri Lanka are set to play even fewer than they did in the previous cycle, with 12 Tests over the course of six two-Test series - joint lowest with Bangladesh.

Mathews, who made his Test debut 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.

Aggregating 8,167 in 118 matches, 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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Mathews makes a valid point. Test cricket is the real test of skill and temperament. As an Indian cricket fan, I'd love to see more competitive Test matches against SL - our neighbors produce some amazing players! Maybe BCCI can help schedule more bilateral series. 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰
P
Priya M.
While I agree with Mathews, the economics of cricket can't be ignored. Test matches in smaller nations often run at losses. Maybe ICC should create a fund to support Test cricket in SL, WI, etc. Their rich cricket history deserves preservation.
A
Arjun S.
Sad to see legends like Mathews retire with so few Tests. Remember his epic innings against us in 2015! SL cricket board needs to be more proactive. Maybe they should focus less on T20 leagues and more on Tests. Quality over quantity!
S
Sanjana T.
As a cricket lover, this breaks my heart 💔 The 2000s SL team was legendary - Murali, Sanga, Jayawardene, now Mathews. ICC's focus on big3 is killing cricket's diversity. Test cricket needs all nations to thrive, not just 3-4 countries!
V
Vikram J.
Respect to Mathews for speaking up! But let's be honest - SL cricket administration is also to blame. When was the last time they hosted a major Test series properly? Stadiums empty even for India matches. Need better marketing of Tests locally first.
N
Neha P.
Mathews is absolutely right! Test cricket is like our classical music - needs patronage to survive. Maybe India can take lead by hosting SL for more Tests. Our cricket boards should work together to keep the traditional format alive in the subcontinent.

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