Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews will retire from Test cricket after the match against Bangladesh between June 17 to 21, the 37-year-old all-rounder announced in a statement on Friday, May 23.
“The first Test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country. Whilst I bid adieu to the Test format, as discussed with selectors I will remain available for selection for the white ball format, if and when my country needs me,” he said.
“I believe this Test team is a talented side with many future and present greats playing the game. Now seems like the best time to make way for a younger player to take the mantle to shine for our nation.”
“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. Nothing can match that feeling of patriotism and servitude when one dans the National Jersey,” he added.
Mathews made his Test debut against Pakistan in Galle in 2009 and went on to lead the side in England as the country’s youngest captain (25 years, 279 days) in the format, four years later.
Over 16 years in the longest format of the game, the 37-year old played 118 Tests, scoring 16 centuries and 45 fifties, and taking 33 wickets.
