Angelo Mathews, a stalwart cricketer for Sri Lanka, has at last shed his retirement from Test cricket, after a glorious last match against Bangladesh, Galle, June 17th, 2025. The 37-year-old all-rounder confirmed the news via social media and thanked everyone for supporting him through the last 17 years of international cricket.
End of an Era: Angelo Mathews’ Test Career Summary
Angelo Mathews has been a pillar of Sri Lanka’s Test side since he made his debut back in 2009. In his 119 Tests, he has scored 8167 runs and is now the third-highest run-scorer in Sri Lankan Test cricket behind two legends, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
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Test Runs: 8167
Batting Average: 44.62
Centuries: 16
Wickets: 33
Captaincy: 34 Tests
Significantly, Mathews was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s record-breaking Headingley victory in 2014, making a match-winning 160 in the second innings.
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Peak Performance and Batting Milestones
During the years 2013 to 2015, Mathews had a golden run, scoring 2378 runs at 59.45, and for most of this time batting at No. 5 and No. 6. In more recent times, he has been consistent, scoring 2141 runs in 2022 and 2023 with a staggering average of 51.15, mainly at No. 4. His most recent Test century was scored against Afghanistan in February 2024.
Controversies and Comebacks
Mathews’ professional life wasn’t devoid of controversy. In 2017-2018, he fell out publicly with then-coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, bringing a shadow on his playing life. Yet, in his later years, he focused more on fitness and longevity, conquering chronic leg injuries that had been plaguing the middle period of his career.
Future in White-Ball Cricket
Although moving away from red-ball cricket, Angelo Mathews is willing to continue playing in white-ball formats, and he says he will remain available for ODI and T20 selection “if and when my country needs me.” As Sri Lanka will be co-hosting the 2026 T20 World Cup, there’s always a chance that Mathews will feature in national colors for the shorter formats.
Final Thoughts from Angelo Mathews
The last 17 years of representing Sri Lanka at cricket have been the greatest privilege and pride of my life. I have given everything to cricket and cricket has given me everything back,” was what Mathews said in his farewell statement.
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