Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews has brought the curtain down on his Test career after a long 15-year journey. He played his final Test match against Bangladesh in Galle, which ended in a draw on 21 June. After the match, Mathews reflected on his proudest moments in red-ball cricket.
During the post-match presentation, he said: “Since I announced my retirement, I cannot believe the love I have received. I’m certainly overwhelmed by it. I’m ever so grateful to all of you who have supported me throughout. It hasn’t been an easy journey – lots of ups and downs – but through it all, I was able to persevere because of the support I received.”
Mathews went on to score 8,214 runs in 119 matches, including 16 centuries and 49 fifties
Mathews recalled two major highlights of his career: Sri Lanka’s first-ever Test series win in England in 2014, and the 3-0 whitewash of Australia at home in 2016. He was captain during both series. Speaking about those memories, he added: “The win against England in England, and whitewashing the Australians 3-0 in Sri Lanka – that was a huge highlight and honour, achieved by the entire team.”
Mathews began his Test career in 2009. He went on to score 8,214 runs in 119 matches, including 16 centuries and 49 fifties. Only Sri Lankan greats Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have scored more Test runs for the country.
He made scores of 39 and 8 in his final match. While his last innings may not have been a landmark, he received a guard of honour and warm applause from both his teammates and the Bangladesh players.
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