Mathews to Conclude Career After Galle Test Against Bangladesh

Sri Lankan veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews conveyed his regret regarding the limited number of Test matches scheduled for Sri Lanka, emphasizing the crucial need for augmented opportunities in the game’s longest format.

Mathews is set to retire following the forthcoming Galle Test against Bangladesh, commencing on Tuesday, marking the final Test match of his distinguished career.

During the pre-match press conference, Mathews urged the emerging players to engage more profoundly with Test cricket, underscoring the significance of concentrating on the format.

“To be frank, it’s disheartening. The up-and-coming cricketers are very enthusiastic about increased Test cricket participation,” he stated.

Mathews, a highly seasoned Sri Lankan cricketer with 118 Tests, advocated equitable opportunities for all cricketing nations, drawing attention to the widening divide between the ‘Big Three’—India, Australia, and England—and other teams.

“It symbolizes the pinnacle of our sport, and we ought to strive for greater involvement. Teams like England, India, and Australia engage in over 15 Tests annually—why is this not feasible for us?” he questioned.

Mathews voiced concerns that opportunities for red-ball cricket are diminishing for teams beyond the dominant trio.

“As a nation, we have secured World Cups and made considerable contributions to cricket. Therefore, we are entitled to participate on par with India, Australia, and England,” he asserted.

The scarcity of scheduled matches also factored into Mathews’ decision to retire presently, as he revealed his choice to participate solely in the series’ initial Test, thereby affording his successor a valuable chance in the subsequent match.

“Having played my 100th Test in Galle, it seemed fitting to bid farewell there as well. More importantly, we lack imminent matches. Following this Test, our subsequent assignment is a year away, constituting a prolonged wait. Consequently, I aimed to grant the individual replacing me an opportunity, rather than postponing their debut for a year,” he concluded.

Notably, Sri Lanka is slated to participate in merely four Tests in 2025, marking their lowest figure in a non-Covid year since 2013.

Throughout the impending 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Sri Lanka is scheduled to engage in just 12 Tests—equaling Bangladesh for the fewest—while Australia will play 22, England 21, and India 18.