Angelo Mathews, the celebrated former Sri Lanka captain, has just made headlines by announcing his retirement from Test cricket. The news broke on May 23, 2025, with Mathews confirming that the upcoming Galle Test against Bangladesh in June will be his final appearance in the whites. The announcement, shared through his official social media, has sparked an outpouring of emotion from fans and fellow cricketers, all reflecting on the immense legacy he leaves behind.
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Angelo Mathews Retirement: A Landmark Decision
Angelo Mathews’ decision to retire from Test cricket is a pivotal moment for Sri Lankan cricket. At 37, after a distinguished 16-year career and 118 Test matches, Mathews steps down as Sri Lanka’s third-highest run-scorer, behind only Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. His final Test will be played at the iconic Galle International Stadium, the same ground where he made his debut in 2009, creating a poetic symmetry to his career.
He expressed deep gratitude in his announcement, stating, “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!” Mathews thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and fans, and emphasized his desire to make way for the next generation. He believes the current Test squad is filled with promising talent ready to step up.
Angelo Mathews: Test Legacy in Focus
Mathews’ Test journey has been defined by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Starting as a genuine all-rounder, he gradually shifted focus to batting due to injuries, eventually becoming the backbone of Sri Lanka’s middle order. His ability to handle pressure, especially against top-quality opposition, made him a prized wicket and a dependable leader.
Career Highlights
Test debut in 2009 at Galle
Scored 8,167 runs in 118 Tests
Averaged 44.62 with 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries
Highest score of 200* against Zimbabwe in 2020
Claimed 34 wickets as a handy seam bowler
Served as Sri Lanka’s all-format captain from 2013 to 2017
Memorable Moments
His double century in Harare, a match-winning innings against Zimbabwe, stands out as a career highlight. Crossing the 8,000-run mark placed him among Sri Lanka’s cricketing elite. As captain, he led Sri Lanka through a period of transition, guiding young players and securing memorable victories.
Angelo Mathews: Test Cricket’s Changing Landscape
Mathews’ retirement comes at a time when Test cricket in Sri Lanka faces significant challenges. In 2025, the national team is scheduled to play only four Tests, a situation that Mathews described as “absolutely shocking.” He publicly voiced his concerns, urging cricket authorities to address the shrinking Test calendar and its impact on player development.
He stated, “Absolutely shocking to hear that Sri Lanka is only playing 4 test matches this entire year including the Aus Tests this month,” tagging the ICC and calling for a more balanced schedule. This context adds weight to his decision, as fewer Tests mean limited opportunities for both veterans and emerging players.
Angelo Mathews: Making Way for the Future
In his farewell message, Mathews highlighted the importance of giving younger players a chance to shine. He believes the current squad is well-equipped to carry the torch forward and build on the foundation he helped establish. His departure is as much about personal timing as it is about ensuring Sri Lanka’s Test cricket remains competitive and vibrant.
Angelo Mathews: Beyond the Test Arena
While stepping away from Tests, Mathews is not leaving the game. He remains available for One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, where his experience and leadership continue to be invaluable. With 226 ODIs and 90 T20Is under his belt, Mathews will still play a crucial role in shaping Sri Lanka’s fortunes in white-ball cricket.
Off the field, Mathews is known for his professionalism, humility, and commitment to nurturing young talent. His journey from a promising U-19 captain to a seasoned international star is a testament to his dedication and resilience.
Angelo Mathews: The Numbers Speak
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Test Matches | 118 |
| Test Runs | 8,167 |
| Test Average | 44.62 |
| Test Centuries | 16 |
| Test Half-Centuries | 45 |
| Highest Test Score | 200* |
| Test Wickets | 34 |
| ODI Matches | 226 |
| ODI Runs | 5,916 |
| T20I Matches | 90 |
| T20I Runs | 1,416 |
Angelo Mathews: The Farewell Test
The upcoming Galle Test against Bangladesh promises to be an emotional occasion. For Mathews, it’s a full-circle moment—ending his Test journey at the same ground where it began. Fans, teammates, and cricketing legends are expected to pay tribute, and Sri Lanka Cricket has already described him as “a true servant of Sri Lanka Test Cricket,” thanking him for his unwavering dedication and leadership.
Angelo Mathews: Looking Forward
As Mathews prepares for his final Test, attention turns to the future of Sri Lankan cricket. His presence in white-ball formats will continue to guide the next generation, but his absence in the Test arena will be deeply felt. The hope is that his legacy inspires young cricketers to value and aspire to greatness in the longest format.
Key Takeaways:
Angelo Mathews retires from Test cricket after the Bangladesh Test in June 2025
He is Sri Lanka’s third-highest Test run-scorer
Mathews will continue playing ODIs and T20Is
His retirement highlights concerns about the shrinking Test calendar
The Galle Test will be a fitting farewell for a modern legend
Angelo Mathews: The Final Word
Angelo Mathews’ retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era. His achievements, leadership, and humility have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan cricket. As he bows out at Galle, the cricketing world will celebrate not just a career, but a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Join the conversation! Share your favorite Angelo Mathews moment below and be part of the farewell as Sri Lanka bids goodbye to a true legend.