NewKerala.com

Key Points

Angelo Mathews prepares for his final Test against Bangladesh in Galle, marking the end of a 15-year career. The former captain cites Sri Lanka's limited Test schedule as a key factor in his decision. With 8,167 runs, he stands behind only Sangakkara and Jayawardene among Sri Lanka's Test greats. Mathews also prioritized giving younger players opportunities before next year's assignments.

Key Points: Angelo Mathews Reflects on Emotional Final Test Match in Galle

  • Mathews retires due to Sri Lanka's sparse Test schedule
  • Ends career as third-highest SL Test run-scorer
  • Wanted to give younger players early opportunities
  • Played 118 Tests since 2009 debut
2 min read

It's quite sad to be honest: Angelo Mathews reflects on his final test match

Sri Lanka legend Angelo Mathews opens up on his farewell Test against Bangladesh, citing long gaps in red-ball cricket as a key reason for retirement.

"I played my 100th Test in Galle, so I thought I'd say goodbye in Galle. – 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 his last match in Galle.

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 played my 100th Test in Galle, so I thought I'd say goodbye in Galle. But the main reason was because we don't have any games coming up, at least for now. After this, we'll be having our next assignment in Test cricket after a year's time, that is a very long wait," Angelo Mathews said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Mathews also said he wanted to give the player replacing him in the second Test a chance to play, as opportunities might be less until the following year.

"I thought it's good to give an opportunity to whoever is going to replace me in the second Test, because he's not going to get an opportunity till the next year (laughs). And in that year, you don't know what what's going to happen. So I thought I'd just play one game and then try and give an opportunity to the other guy who's replacing me in the second Test."

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

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a legend! Mathews has been one of the most consistent players from our neighboring country. Sad to see Test cricket declining in SL, just like how we're seeing fewer Tests in India too. Hope he gets a proper farewell in Galle! 🇱🇰🤝🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
His stats speak for themselves - only behind Sanga and Mahela is no small feat! But really concerning that SL is playing just 4 Tests next year. Cricket boards need to prioritize Test cricket more. Mathews' retirement marks the end of an era in Lankan cricket.
A
Arjun S.
Remember his fighting innings against India in 2015! That's when I became his fan. Class player who carried SL cricket through tough times. But honestly, BCCI should invite SL for more Tests - our neighbors deserve better scheduling.
S
Sanjana T.
So thoughtful of him to retire after 1 Test to give chance to youngsters! Shows his character. But only 4 Tests in a year for SL? That's really sad. Test cricket is dying and boards are killing it with this T20 madness 😔
V
Vikram J.
Great career but SL cricket has been declining since the retirement of their golden generation. Mathews tried his best to carry the legacy forward. Hope they find new talents soon. Maybe time for an India-SL Test series to help them financially and give exposure?
N
Neha P.
His retirement speech shows how much he loves Test cricket. Respect! But ICC needs to step in - how can a top cricket nation play just 4 Tests in a year? This is why players are forced to prioritize leagues over country. #SaveTestCricket

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50