New Delhi: Indian team captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have said goodbye to Test cricket. They did not get the farewell from the field, which they deserved, but a former Delhi Capitals legend is going to bid farewell from the field. Sri Lankan veteran player Angelo Mathews has decided to retire from Test cricket. 37-year-old Mathews will say goodbye to this format after the Test match against Bangladesh in June at Galle International Stadium. He gave this information by issuing a statement today.
Mathews made his Test cricket debut against Pakistan in Galle in 2009. In a career spanning 16 years, he has become Sri Lanka's third-highest run-scorer after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Now he will focus only on white-ball cricket. Angelo Mathews has scored 8,167 runs in 118 Test matches at an average of 44.62. This includes 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries. He played his best innings of 200 not out against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club in 2020.
Matthews wrote on social media - With a heavy heart and unforgettable memories, it's time to say goodbye to international Test cricket! It is the most beloved format of the game for me. Playing cricket for Sri Lanka has been my greatest honor and pride for the last 17 years. He further said - When one wears the national jersey, there is nothing greater than the feeling of patriotism and service. I have given my all to cricket and cricket has given me everything in return and made me the person I am today. Let us tell you that Mathews has played for Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
Matthews has also made it clear that he will continue to play white-ball cricket (ODI and T20). He played his first ODI match against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2008. Matthews said- I am grateful to the game and grateful to the thousands of fans of Sri Lankan cricket who have been with me in my happiness and sorrow during my career. The first Test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball match for my country.
He further said- I say goodbye to the Test format, as discussed with the selectors, I will be available for selection for white ball formats, if and when my country needs me. I believe this Test team is a talented team with many future and present great players playing. This means that they can still play ODI and T20 matches for Sri Lanka. Matthews has scored 5916 runs in 226 ODIs and 1416 runs in 90 T20Is. He has also scored three centuries and 46 half-centuries in ODIs.
