Angelo Mathews Announces Retirement from Test Cricket After 17 Years

Angelo Mathews, the veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder, has announced his retirement from international Test cricket after an impressive 17-year journey. He confirmed that the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh will be his last. Mathews reflected on his career, expressing gratitude to the cricketing community and highlighting memorable performances, including his unbeaten 157 against Pakistan in 2013. While stepping away from Tests, he will continue to play in ODIs and T20Is, believing it's time for younger players to take the stage. His legacy includes significant milestones and a commitment to the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2025, 14:28 IST

Angelo Mathews Bids Farewell to Test Cricket

Angelo Mathews, the esteemed all-rounder from Sri Lanka, has declared his retirement from international Test cricket, marking the end of an illustrious 17-year career in the format. The 37-year-old revealed that the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in June will be his last appearance in the traditional whites for Sri Lanka.

In a heartfelt message, Mathews expressed his gratitude towards the cricket community and reflected on his extensive career that has spanned over a decade and a half. He stated,

“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,” Mathews wrote.

Mathews made his Test debut in 2009 and has since played 118 matches, accumulating 8167 runs at an average of 44.62, which includes 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries. Although his bowling became less prominent over the years, he still took 33 wickets and was a reliable lower-middle order batsman.

One of his standout performances occurred in Abu Dhabi in 2013, where he batted for over seven hours, scoring an unbeaten 157 to rescue a Test match against Pakistan. In 2014, he had his most successful year with the bat, scoring 1160 runs at an impressive average of 77.33, highlighted by a match-winning 160 at Headingley that led Sri Lanka to its first Test series victory in England.

“I have given my everything to cricket, and cricket has given me everything in return,” he remarked, extending his thanks to his family, teammates, coaches, and supporters.

Mathews to Continue in ODIs and T20Is

Despite his retirement from Test cricket, Mathews has confirmed his availability for Sri Lanka's white-ball teams if needed. He expressed optimism about the future of Test cricket, believing it is the right moment for him to step aside and allow younger talent to emerge.

Throughout his career, Mathews faced numerous injuries but still reached significant milestones, including playing his 100th Test in 2022 and being one of the few players to be dismissed for 199 runs in a Test innings. His determination was evident during the 2018 Wellington Test, where he celebrated reaching his century by performing push-ups on the field in response to fitness criticisms.