Angelo Mathews Receives Guard of Honour in Farewell Test Match
Farewell to a Sri Lankan Legend
On June 17, at Galle International Stadium, veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews was honored with a guard of honour as he played his final Test match against Bangladesh. This match marks the end of his remarkable Test career following the first game of the two-match series.
In May, Mathews announced his retirement from Test cricket via social media, expressing his desire to pass the baton to younger players who will shape the future of Sri Lankan cricket.
Choosing Galle as the venue for his farewell was significant for Mathews, as it was the site of both his debut and his 100th Test match, making it a fitting location for his last appearance in the format.
A Heartfelt Tribute
As Mathews entered the field for his farewell match, young cricketers from Sri Lanka formed a guard of honour, applauding and celebrating his contributions to the sport. A video shared on social media captured the moment, showcasing Mathews walking through the line of players, smiling as they raised their bats in tribute.
A guard of honour at Galle for Angelo Mathews, who bids adieu to the longest format with his 119th and final Test.
— FanCode (@FanCode) June 17, 2025
Present at the ceremony were Mathews' family members, including his parents, wife, and children, as he was recognized by Ashley de Silva, the CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, before the match commenced.
Mathews' Impressive Career Stats
Angelo Mathews is celebrated as one of Sri Lanka's finest Test cricketers. He ranks as the third-highest run-scorer for the nation in Tests, accumulating 8,167 runs, which includes 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries, with an average of 44.62 over 118 matches. Additionally, he has taken 33 wickets, with a best performance of four wickets in an innings, maintaining an average of 54.48 and an economy rate of 2.17.
As he approaches the end of his Test career, Mathews aims to leave a lasting impact with either bat or ball, hoping for a strong performance in Galle to bid farewell to his fans and teammates.
A Legacy of Leadership
Making his Test debut in 2009, Mathews quickly established himself as a key player and later became an all-format cricketer. He captained Sri Lanka in 34 Tests from 2013 to 2017, achieving 13 victories, 15 losses, and 6 draws, resulting in a win percentage of 38.23.
Notably, Mathews led Sri Lanka to a historic Test series victory against England on their home turf, scoring a remarkable 160 runs in a match that set the stage for a successful defense by the bowlers, ultimately dismissing England for 249 runs. This achievement made him the first Sri Lankan captain to win a Test series in England.
As he concludes his journey in Test cricket, Angelo Mathews will be remembered as one of the greatest ambassadors for the sport in Sri Lanka.