Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews Announces Retirement from Test Cricket After 17-Year Career

Veteran Sri Lankan cricketer and former captain **Angelo Mathews** has announced his **retirement from Test cricket**, marking the end of a distinguished 17-year career in the longest format of the game.

The **37-year-old** revealed his decision via social media, stating that his **final Test match will be against Bangladesh in Galle on June 17**. Although stepping away from Test cricket, Mathews confirmed that he will remain **available for Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20I squads**, even though he has not played a limited-overs international since June last year.

In an emotional statement, Mathews wrote:
*”It has been the greatest honor and privilege to represent my country for the past 17 years. I gave the game my everything, and the game in return has given me so much. Whatever I am today, it’s because of cricket.”*

He added that after discussions with selectors, he will continue to be **available for white-ball formats** if his services are required by the national team.

Mathews retires as **Sri Lanka’s third-highest run scorer in Test cricket history**, having scored **8,167 runs in 118 matches at an impressive average of 44.62**. He trails only legends **Kumar Sangakkara (12,400 runs)** and **Mahela Jayawardene (11,814 runs)**.

A right-handed middle-order batsman and part-time seam bowler, Mathews also claimed **33 wickets** in Test cricket. He served as **Sri Lanka’s Test captain from 2013 to 2017**, leading the team in 34 matches.

Mathews made his Test debut in 2009 and quickly became a key figure in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, known for his composure under pressure and ability to anchor innings. His retirement marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket as one of its most consistent and respected players bows out of the red-ball game.