Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka has declared his intention to retire from Test cricket. Once the first Test match against Bangladesh begins in Galle on June 17, the seasoned all-rounder will retire from the red-ball format. He has also stated that he intends to stay active in white-ball forms by continuing to be available in One-Day Internationals and even T20Is. On Friday, May 23, Angelo Mathews posted on social media to make his statement.
“With a grateful heart and priceless memories, my dear friends and family, it’s time for me to bid farewell to the game’s most treasured format: international test cricket! Playing cricket for Sri Lanka for the past 17 years has been my greatest honour and source of pride. Nothing compares to the sense of duty and patriotism that comes with wearing a national jersey.
On ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter, Angelo Mathews stated, “I have given everything to cricket, and cricket has given me everything in return and made me the person that I am today.”
“I am appreciative of the game and the thousands of Sri Lankan cricket supporters who have supported me through the highs and lows of my career.” My final red-ball participation for my nation will be in the June first Test match against Bangladesh,” he continued.
Although a chapter closes, a passion for the game endures: Angelo Mathews Mathews, one of Sri Lanka’s most distinguished all-rounders, has had an incredibly successful career. He played in 118 Test matches. At a fantastic average of 44.62, he currently has 8,167 runs in red-ball cricket. Despite having just 33 wickets in the format, he has shared the ball with cricketing greats like as Rangana Herath and Muttiah Muralitharan. In addition, he led the team in 34 Test matches and was a rather good batsman, averaging an incredible 50.94.
His 17-year Test career will come full circle when he plays his final match against Bangladesh at the same location where he made his debut against Pakistan.
As I say goodbye to the test format, I will still be available for selection in the white ball format if and when my country needs me. I think this test team is a talented group that includes many current and future greats. It seems like the best time to give a younger player the opportunity to lead our country. The Colombo native went on to write, “I want to thank the Almighty God, my beloved parents, my lovely wife, and my wonderful children, as well as my family and closest friends, who have all always believed in me, backed me, and stood by me through and through.”
In addition, I would want to express my sincere gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket and all of the coaches for their support over my career. Angelo Mathews said, “A chapter ends, but the love for the game will always remain.”
India
