Sri Lankan cricket legend Angelo Mathews has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 37-year-old all-rounder will play his final red-ball match in the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh, set to begin on June 17 in Galle — the same venue where he made his Test debut 17 years ago.
While stepping away from the longest format, Mathews confirmed via a heartfelt post on social media that he will continue to make himself available for One-Day Internationals and T20s.
“With a grateful heart and unforgettable memories, it’s time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game — Test cricket,” Mathews wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Playing for Sri Lanka over the past 17 years has been my greatest honor. There’s no feeling quite like wearing the national jersey. I’ve given my all to the game, and in return, it has shaped who I am today.”
Mathews expressed deep gratitude to Sri Lanka Cricket, his family, friends, and fans who supported him throughout his highs and lows.
“The first Test against Bangladesh will be my final appearance in whites,” he confirmed. “Now feels like the right moment to make space for the next generation to shine for our nation.”
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During his illustrious Test career, Mathews played 118 matches, scoring 8,167 runs at an impressive average of 44.62. He also took 33 wickets and captained the team in 34 Tests, where he averaged an outstanding 50.94 with the bat. Despite not being a prolific bowler, he contributed with the ball and shared the field with Sri Lankan greats like Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath.
Reflecting on the full-circle nature of his journey — debuting and concluding his Test career in Galle — Mathews described the moment as emotional and humbling.
“A chapter ends, but my love for the game will always remain,” he concluded.
