Angelo Mathews will play his last test – against Bangladesh – at the Galle International Cricket Stadium between 17 and 21 June.
Sri Lankan’s legendary cricketer will play his last red ball game in June to end a career spanning 118 tests over 17 years with a batting average of nearly 45. And he happens to be Sri Lanka’s third highest test run scorer in history, behind two other recent legends of the game – Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
“It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game… 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,” he wrote on his Facebook page, upon announcing his retirement from the longest version of the game.
However, he did say that “as discussed with the selectors, I will remain available for selection for the white ball formats, if and when my country needs me.”
An emotionally charged Mathews continued: “I have given 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 Lankan cricket fans who have been there for me throughout my career, during my highest of highs and lowest of lows.”
Angelo Davis Mathews take a bow: you have done us proud.
