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Angelo Mathews calls time on his illustrious Test career
In a massive breaking news development, legendary Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews has decided to call time on his illustrious 17-year Test career. He has announced his decision to retire from Test cricket following the first Test against Bangladesh, set to begin on June 17 in Galle. This marks the end of a significant chapter in Mathews' cricketing journey, as he steps away from the longest format of the game after nearly a decade and a half of service. Known for his calm presence and match-winning contributions with both bat and ball, Mathews has been a pillar of Sri Lankan Test cricket through its many transitions.
Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket
Despite stepping away from red-ball cricket, the 36-year-old has confirmed that he will continue to be available for selection in the white-ball formats. He intends to remain active in both One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals, signaling that he still has more to contribute to Sri Lanka’s limited-overs campaigns, including potential appearances in ICC events. Mathews made the announcement via a social media post on Friday, May 23, expressing gratitude for the opportunities Test cricket had given him while also looking forward to continuing his journey in the shorter formats. His departure from Tests will undoubtedly leave a void, but his presence in white-ball cricket will still be a major asset for Sri Lanka.
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) May 23, 2025
Although Angelo Mathews has not featured in a white-ball match for Sri Lanka in nearly a year, his focus now shifts to what will be a significant moment in his career—the final appearance in Test cricket. The upcoming Test against Bangladesh, beginning June 17 in Galle, will mark the end of an illustrious red-ball journey that spanned 119 matches. Since making his Test debut in 2009, Mathews has been a consistent presence in the Sri Lankan lineup, playing pivotal roles across different eras of the team’s evolution.
Over the years, Mathews established himself not just as a dependable all-rounder, but also as a respected leader. He captained the side in 34 Tests, guiding the team through both triumphs and challenges. One of his most memorable performances as captain came during Sri Lanka’s historic win at Headingley in 2014. In that match, Mathews played a defining role, scoring a superb 160 in the second innings to set up a rare overseas victory, which remains one of Sri Lanka’s finest in Test history.
As a batter, Angelo Mathews has carved out a distinguished place in Sri Lankan cricket history. With 8,167 Test runs to his name, he ranks third on the country's all-time run-scorers list, behind legends Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814). Mathews has struck 16 centuries and holds an impressive Test average of 44.62. Though primarily known for his batting, he occasionally contributed with the ball as well, picking up 33 wickets in the format.
His most prolific period came between 2013 and 2015, a golden stretch during which he amassed 2,378 runs at an outstanding average of 59.45. Most of these runs came from the No. 5 or No. 6 positions, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and guide the team in pressure situations. Mathews’ consistency and composure during this phase placed him among the finest middle-order batters Sri Lanka has ever produced.
Although Angelo Mathews never quite replicated the extraordinary form he showed between 2013 and 2015, he remained a vital contributor to Sri Lanka's Test side. In 2022 and 2023, he enjoyed a strong resurgence, scoring a combined 2,141 runs at an impressive average of 51.15. By this stage of his career, he had moved up to the No. 4 position in the batting order, continuing to anchor the innings with authority. His most recent Test century came against Afghanistan in February 2024.
Mathews' Test career was not without its challenges. In 2017 and 2018, he was involved in a public dispute with then-head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, a period that brought considerable controversy. Earlier, his career had been disrupted by persistent leg injuries, especially during the middle phase. However, in recent years, Mathews focused heavily on improving his fitness, which allowed him to extend his longevity and remain a dependable figure in the Test arena.
