Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket after a Distinguished 16-Year career

Sri Lankan star all-rounder, Angelo Mathews, announced his retirement from Test Cricket on Friday. He will make his final Test Match appearance in the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh in Galle next month. Bidding adieu to the Test format, Mathews said that this is the right time for him to step out of the format and allow the younger generation to take his spot in the white squad for the team.

“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 said in a statement he shared on X (formerly Twitter). “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 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 added while thanking innumerable fans for supporting him and standing by his side and the team throughout his career. 

“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.”

“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.” Mathews further added.

Read the post here:

pic.twitter.com/nqsnpkpekD

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) May 23, 2025

Angelo Mathews Test Career Stats

Mathews made his Test Debut in the year 2009 in Galle against Pakistan and then led his side against England four years later, his debut becoming the country’s youngest captain in the format. Over 16 years, he primarily contributed as a batsman, averaging 44.62 and amassing a total of 8,167 runs in the format.

He has featured in 118 Tests and has smashed a total of 16 Test Hundreds, 45 half-centuries, and has also taken 33 wickets for his team. Under Mathews, Sri Lanka won 13 Tests out of 34, which is the second most by a captain for the country in Tests after Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene (both 18 wins). Announcing the retirement, Mathews will now play his last Test match against Bangladesh in the upcoming tour starting June 17.