Follow UsOne of the most decorated modern-day careers came to an end in Galle on June 21 (Saturday) as Angelo Mathews made his final appearance in whites. The veteran all-rounder announced last month that the first Test against Bangladesh would be his last, and he signed off with scores of 39 & 8, with the 45 balls he faced in the second innings helping Sri Lanka secure a draw.
Mathews signs off with 8,214 runs at an average of 44.40, having smashed 16 Test hundreds in total.
In an emotional interview after the Test, the 38-year-old asserted that his time had come to an end, and it’s now officially time for the younger players to take Sri Lankan cricket forward.
“Retiring from the best format, the format that I loved playing. It's time for the younger players to take the baton and drive Sri Lanka through. We certainly have the young talent in the dressing room,” Mathews said in his retirement speech, reported Cricbuzz.
“Since I announced my retirement, I can't believe the love that I have received so far. I am certainly overwhelmed. Ever so grateful to all those who supported me right throughout.
“It wasn't an easy journey, there were lots of ups and downs, happiness and sadness. But through it all I was able to do it because of the support that I have received.”
When asked what the highlights of his career were, Mathews picked the series win away in England in 2014, and the 3-0 whitewash of Australia at home in 2016.
“The win against England in England and whitewashing the Australians in Sri Lanka 3-0, that was a huge highlight and honour achieved by the entire team,” he said.
“I am thankful to all the players who have supported me throughout, the coaches and to all the fans for being there with me. [For] the love that I have received, thank you so much.”