Is Angelo Mathews One of the Rarest Players Sri Lankan Cricket Has Ever Produced?
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Synopsis
Dinesh Chandimal pays tribute to Angelo Mathews, celebrating his illustrious career as he prepares to retire from Test cricket. This heartfelt message reflects on Mathews' significant contributions to Sri Lankan cricket and the deep bond formed between teammates over the years.
Key Takeaways
- Angelo Mathews is retiring from Test cricket after a remarkable 15-year career.
- He has scored 8,167 runs in 118 matches, ranking third among Sri Lankan Test run-scorers.
- Mathews is celebrated for both his leadership and all-round abilities.
- Dinesh Chandimal shared a heartfelt tribute highlighting their friendship.
- Mathews will continue to be available for limited-overs selections.
New Delhi, June 16 (NationPress) Sri Lanka's wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal expressed a touching homage to former captain Angelo Mathews, who is preparing to play his last Test match for Sri Lanka in Galle on Tuesday.
Last month, Mathews announced his retirement from Test cricket following the conclusion of the first match against Bangladesh in Galle. At 37 years old, he made his Test debut at this same venue against Pakistan in 2009, having been a fundamental part of Sri Lankan cricket for over 15 years, shining as both an all-rounder and a leader.
Chandimal remarked on Instagram, "There is no doubt that, Angie, you are one of the rarest and most valuable players Sri Lankan cricket has ever produced. It is a privilege and a blessing to have played alongside such a talented player for such a long time. I have learned a great deal from you in my cricket career, both as a captain and a player too."
With a total of 8,167 runs in 118 matches, he ranks just behind Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardena (11,814) for the most Test runs by a Sri Lankan. Additionally, he has taken 33 wickets and holds the record for the second-most runs at Galle, with 2,206 runs across 33 Test matches at this venue.
Mathews will have a chance to further enhance his statistics in his 119th and final match in whites against Bangladesh, commencing on Tuesday. He is also recognized as Sri Lanka’s third most successful Test captain, having guided the team to 13 wins in 34 matches from 2013 to 2017.
"We will never again witness your beautiful smile and humanity beyond that of a player on the international Test cricket field after today. It’s difficult for me to bid farewell, having played with you for so long in international Test cricket," Chandimal continued.
"I wish you nothing but the best in this next chapter, Angi. Sri Lankan Test cricket will miss you dearly. Ultimately, we forged numerous valuable partnerships on the field, but we built an even stronger friendship off it," he added.
However, Mathews will still be available for selection in white-ball formats. His most recent appearance for Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket was during their group-stage match against New Zealand at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Point of View
I recognize the profound impact Angelo Mathews has made on Sri Lankan cricket. His contributions both on and off the field have shaped the sport's landscape in our country. As he transitions from Test cricket, we must acknowledge not only his statistics but also the camaraderie and leadership he has provided. We wish him well in his future endeavors.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Angelo Mathews' retirement?
Angelo Mathews announced his retirement from Test cricket after the first match against Bangladesh in Galle, marking the end of an illustrious career.
How many Test runs has Angelo Mathews scored?
Angelo Mathews has accumulated a total of 8,167 runs in 118 Test matches.
What records does Mathews hold?
Mathews is ranked third for most Test runs by a Sri Lankan and is the second-highest run-scorer at Galle, with 2,206 runs.
Will Mathews continue playing limited-overs cricket?
Yes, Mathews will remain available for selection in white-ball formats following his retirement from Test cricket.
What is Dinesh Chandimal's tribute about?
Chandimal's tribute emphasizes Mathews' unique contributions to Sri Lankan cricket and the strong friendship they developed over their careers.
