Mathews to retire from Test cricket after first Test against BD

• Paucity of Test cricket claims another victim

Angelo Mathews

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) failure to address the paucity of Test cricket it plays for a year has claimed another victim with former captain Angelo Mathews announcing his retirement from red ball cricket for his country.

The first Test against Bangladesh at Galle from 17-21 June will mark Mathews’ final appearance in Test cricket.

Mathews’ retirement from Test cricket comes barely three months after another former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne announced his retirement from international cricket. Both retirements have a common factor: the lack of Test cricket played by Sri Lanka has forced these players into early retirement.

Mathews’ decision to retire does not come as a surprise because Sri Lanka are due to play only four Test matches for the entire year. Already two have taken place against Australia in February and there are two to be played against Bangladesh next month. After that Sri Lanka does not have a Test match until May next year. The absence of further Test matches after the Bangladesh series meant a significant break for the Sri Lankan team, potentially affecting their team chemistry and player development. It’s quite a long wait for players who specialise only in red ball cricket like Karunaratne (36) and Mathews (who turns 38 on 2 June), and even Dinesh Chandimal (35).

At the beginning of the year when it became known that Sri Lanka will be playing only four Tests for the entire year Mathews expressing his disappointment said, “Absolutely shocking to hear that Sri Lanka is playing only four Tests this entire year including the Aussie Tests this month.”

Mathews has expressed that he will be available for white ball cricket if the country needs him.Announcing his retirement on social media Mathews stated:

“My dear friends and family, with a grateful heart and unforgettable memories, it is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, International Test Cricket.

“The past 17 years of playing cricket for Sri Lanka has been my highest honour and pride.

Nothing can match that feeling of patriotism and servitude when one dons the National Jersey.

“I have given everything to cricket, and cricket has given me everything in return and made me the person that I am today.

“I stand grateful to the game and thankful to the thousands of Sri Lanka cricket fans who have been there for me throughout my career during my highest of highs and lowest of lows.

“The first test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country.

“Whilst I bid adieu to the test format, as discussed with selectors I will remain available for selection for the white ball formats, if and when my country needs me. I believe this test team is a talented side with many future and present greats playing the game.

“Now seems like the best time to make way for a younger player to take the mantle to shine for our nation. “I want to thank almighty God, my beloved parents, my beautiful wife and amazing children along with my family and closest friends who have collectively always believed in me, backed me and stood by me through and through.

“Furthermore, I wish to extend my special thanks and gratitude to Sri Lanka cricket, my school St. Joseph’s College Colombo, and all the coaches for their support right throughout my career.

“A note of thanks to my management team for their dedication and hard work over the years.

“A chapter ends, but the love for the game will always remain. With much love and pride,

yours truly, Angelo Davis Mathews.”

Sri Lanka Cricket’s response to Mathews’ decision: “A true servant of Sri Lanka Test Cricket. Thank you, Angelo Mathews, for 17 years of unwavering dedication, leadership, and unforgettable moments in the red-ball format. Your commitment and passion have inspired a generation. We wish you all the very best as you step away from Test cricket and look forward to seeing your continued contributions in white-ball cricket.”

Mathews retires from Test cricket as Sri Lanka’s third highest run-getter with over 8000 runs (8167) from 118 Tests surpassed only by Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814). He captained his country in 34 Tests.

He will leave behind many indelible memories as he prepares to bow out of Test cricket like for instance his master class knock of 160 as captain against England at Leeds in tough conditions that paved the way for a historic maiden Test series triumph for Sri Lanka in England in 2014, a dream century at the Home of Cricket – Lord’s also in the same series, and two centuries in New Zealand 120 at Wellington in 2018 and 115 at Christchurch in 2023 that reminded the world of his class. 

Mathews’ retirement will bring to an end Sri Lanka’s last cricketer of world class stature.