Mathews to retire from Test cricket after Bangladesh series opener

Angelo Mathews has announced he will retire from Test cricket following Sri Lanka’s opening match against Bangladesh in the upcoming two-Test series in June. The veteran all-rounder confirmed the news in a statement shared on social media, bringing to a close a red-ball career that has spanned over 16 years. Despite stepping away from the longest format, Mathews said he remains available for white-ball cricket when needed.

The 38-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday next week, took the decision with an eye on Sri Lanka’s future schedule. After the Bangladesh series, Sri Lanka do not play another Test until May 2026, meaning Mathews would face nearly a year’s wait for another outing. With the 2026 T20 World Cup set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka in February and March, the team will prioritise limited-overs matches for the remainder of this year.

Announcing his decision via social media, Mathews said:
“It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, International Test Cricket! 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.”

“I have given my 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 Lanka Cricket fans who have been there for me throughout my career during my highest of highs and lowest of lows.”

“The first test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country.”

Mathews has not featured regularly in white-ball formats in recent times but has no immediate plans to retire from them. With the T20 World Cup approaching, he has informed selectors of his availability for both ODIs and T20Is and could yet be in contention for the 2026 tournament.

Mathews made his Test debut against Pakistan in Galle in July 2009. Since then, he has played 118 matches, scoring 8,167 runs at an average of 44.62, including 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries. Only Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have scored more Test runs for Sri Lanka. With the ball, Mathews claimed 33 wickets, and also captained the national side in 34 Tests.

One of his most memorable performances came at Headingley in 2014, where his second-innings knock of 160 helped Sri Lanka to a historic win. Between 2013 and 2015, he was at the peak of his powers, scoring 2,378 runs at an average of 59.45 while batting in the middle order. Though that form never fully returned, he managed a strong run of performances between 2022 and 2023, averaging 51.15 with 2,141 runs across those two years.