Angelo Mathews Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

One of Sri Lanka’s most reliable cricketers over the last two decades, Angelo Mathews, has announced that he will retire from Test cricket following the first Test against Bangladesh in Galle, which begins on June 17. The 37-year-old confirmed the decision via social media, adding that he will still be available for white-ball cricket “if and when my country needs me.”

In a heartfelt post, Mathews wrote: “My dear friends and family, 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 have been my highest honour and pride. Nothing can match that feeling of patriotism and servitude when one dons the National Jersey. I have given my everything to cricket and Cricket has given me everything in return and made me the person that I am today.” 

Mathews’ Test journey began in 2009, and since then, he’s been a near-permanent presence in the Sri Lankan side. Heading into his farewell match, he has scored 8,167 runs from 118 Tests, averaging 44.62, with 16 centuries and 45 fifties to his name. That puts him third on Sri Lanka’s all-time run-scorers list, behind only Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. He also chipped in occasionally with the ball, taking 33 Test wickets, but it was with the bat that Mathews truly made his mark—particularly during a golden run between 2013 and 2015, where he piled on 2,378 runs at an average of nearly 60, mostly from the middle order. His 160 at Headingley in 2014 remains one of his most iconic innings, as he led Sri Lanka to a famous win against England. 

Even in the twilight of his career, Mathews remained effective. He scored over 2,100 runs combined in 2022 and 2023, averaging over 50 while batting at No. 4. His most recent century came earlier this year against Afghanistan in February. Though he hasn’t featured in Sri Lanka’s white-ball squads in the last year, he hasn’t ruled out donning the jersey again in ODIs or T20Is if the team needs him. But in terms of red-ball cricket, this will be it. 

Sri Lanka’s Test calendar is about to quiet down significantly, with no scheduled red-ball matches until mid-2026. That, combined with his age—he turns 38 next week—has led Mathews to call time on what’s been an extraordinary Test career. He’ll finish as the country’s fourth-most capped Test player, behind Muthiah Muralidaran, Sangakkara, and Jayawardene. 

Mathews’ retirement also adds to a growing list of recent Test exits by big names, joining the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Dimuth Karunaratne, and R Ashwin in stepping away from the longest format. 

Also Read: Joe Root Becomes Fastest Player to Reach 13,000 Test Runs