Sri Lanka veteran Angelo Mathews has announced his retirement from Test cricket.
In a statement posted on social media on Friday (May 23), Mathews announced that the first Test of Sri Lanka's upcoming series against Bangladesh would be the last one of his career. He will remain in discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket over his availability for white-ball cricket moving forward.
Angelo Mathews announces retirement from Test cricket
“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," he wrote.
“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.
“I stand grateful to the game and thankful to the thousands of Sri Lanka Cricket fans who have been there for me throughout my career during my highest of highs and lowest of lows.
“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.
“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.
“I want to thank almighty GOD, my beloved parents my beautiful wife and amazing children along with my family and closest friends who have collectively always believed in me, backed me and stood by me through and through.
“Furthermore, I wish to extend my special thanks and gratitude to Sri Lanka cricket and all the coaches for their support right throughout my career.
“A chapter ends, but the love for the game will always remain.”
Mathews made his Test debut in 2009, against Pakistan in Galle. Primarily a top-order batter, but with the ability to deliver some useful seam bowling, he has represented Sri Lanka 118 times so far in the longest format, scoring 8,167 runs and picking up 33 wickets.
He will retire as Sri Lanka's fourth-most capped player in Test cricket after Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Muthiah Muralidaran. Mathews is also Sri Lanka's third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
His retirement from the longest format is the latest in a string of high-profile departures over the last six months or so – R Ashwin, Dimuth Karunaratne, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have all also called time on their Test careers.
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