Colombo:
Veteran Sri Lankan Polyvalent Angelo Mathews announced on Friday that the first test against Bangladesh next month will be his last five -day match while he would make room for younger talents in the traditional format with a “grateful heart and unforgettable memories”. The 37 -year -old man, however, will continue to play white ball cricket for his country. Its appearance in the final test will be in Galle from June 17 to 21. “With a grateful heart and unforgettable memories. It is time for me to say goodbye in the most expensive format of the game, the international test cricket! … The first test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last appearance in red ball for my country,” he published on ‘X’.
“While I proposed goodbye to the test format, as discussed with the selectors, I will remain available for the selection for the white ball format, if and when my country needs me.
“I think this test team is a talented team with many big and present to play the game. Now seems to be the best time to make room for a younger player to take the coat to shine for our nation,” he added.
Since its beginnings in 2009, Mathews appeared in 118 tests, scoring 8,167 points – the third highest total in the history of Sri Lanka, behind Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardène (11,814).
It has an average average of 44.62 and has so far broken 16 cents and 45 centuries, a 200 which is not the best of its long career. He also has 34 counters to his credit.
“A real servant of Sri Lanka test cricket. Thank you … for 17 years of dedication, leadership and unforgettable unforgettable moments in the format of the red ball. Your commitment and your passion have inspired a generation,” said Sri Lanka Cricket in his habit.
“We wish you all the best when you get away from the test cricket and you are impatient to see your continuous contributions in white ball cricket,” he added.
Mathews, who was Sri Lanka’s all-format captain from 2013 to 2017, said he had planned to play the highest distinction.
“Nothing can match this feeling of patriotism and servitude when we put on the national jersey. I gave everything to cricket and cricket gave me everything in return and I made me the person I am today,” he said.
Mathews said he was grateful to the support he had obtained over the years, his family, his coaches and the Cricket Sri Lanka.
“A chapter ends, but the love of the game will always remain,” he said.
(With the exception of the title, this story has not been published by NDTV staff and is published from a unionized flow.)
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