Angelo Mathews Retires from Test Cricket After 15 Glorious Years

Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews has officially retired from Test cricket, ending a remarkable 15-year career after Sri Lanka’s drawn Test against Bangladesh in Galle on June 21. After the match, Mathews looked back on his journey and picked two of his favourite moments in Test cricket: Sri Lanka’s historic series win in England in 2014 and the 3-0 clean sweep against Australia at home in 2016.

Mathews made his Test debut in 2009 and went on to play a key role in some of Sri Lanka’s most memorable victories. In 2014, as captain, he led the team to a historic 1-0 series win against England, their first-ever Test series win in England. Two years later, in 2016, he was once again at the heart of another big triumph. This time, Sri Lanka whitewashed Australia 3-0 at home, with a young team full of promising spinners and fresh talent.

Mathews Reflects on Career Highlights and Heartfelt Support After Retirement Announcement

"Since I announced my retirement, I cannot believe the love I have received. Certainly overwhelmed (with the love). Ever so grateful to all of you, who have supported me throughout. Not an easy journey - lots of ups and downs, but through it all, I was able to do it because of the support I received," Mathews said during the post-match presentation.

"The win against England in England, and whitewashing the Australians in Sri Lanka 3-0 - that was a huge highlight and honour, achieved by the entire team," he added.

What a gesture by Bangladesh 👏

A guard of honour for Angelo Mathews as he walked in - possibly his final Test knock at home.#SLvBAN pic.twitter.com/EYs0cPhe9F

— FanCode (@FanCode) June 19, 2025

Angelo Mathews Bids Farewell to Test Cricket After Remarkable Career

Both series victories happened while Mathews was captain and are seen as two of Sri Lanka’s greatest moments in recent Test cricket history. Looking back after playing his final match in Galle, the 37-year-old said those two tours were the highlights of his Test career.

In the Galle Test against Bangladesh, Angelo Mathews ended his Test career with scores of 39 in the first innings and 8 in the second. While those numbers weren’t his best, the match was filled with emotion and respect. During his first innings, he was given a guard of honour by his teammates, and when he walked off the field for the final time, the Bangladesh players applauded him warmly. It was a touching farewell for a player who gave so much to Sri Lankan cricket.

Mathews concludes his career as Sri Lanka’s third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, with 8,214 runs in 119 matches at an average of 44.4, including 16 centuries and 49 fifties. Only Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have scored more Test runs for the country.

From leading Sri Lanka as the youngest Test captain to guiding the team through years of change, Angelo Mathews has built a legacy grounded not just in talent but in quiet, steady leadership. It’s no surprise that the moments he holds closest to his heart are the ones where he brought the most pride to his country, moments that went beyond personal glory and spoke to something far greater.

Test Career (2009–2025)

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