Does Sri Lanka Deserve to Compete in Test Cricket Like Australia, England, and India?
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Synopsis
Angelo Mathews voices his concerns over Sri Lanka's Test cricket schedule, advocating for more matches. He emphasizes the need for the nation to play at least 10 Tests a year, citing the disparity with other cricketing nations. With his retirement on the horizon, Mathews reflects on his illustrious career and the future of Sri Lankan cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Angelo Mathews calls for increased Test matches for Sri Lanka.
- Only 12 Tests scheduled in the upcoming cycle, the lowest with Bangladesh.
- Mathews has scored over 8,167 runs in his Test career.
- His retirement is set after the match against Bangladesh.
- He emphasizes the importance of Test cricket for the younger generation.
Galle, June 16 (NationPress) Angelo Mathews has expressed his worries about the limited number of Test matches that Sri Lanka will engage in during the forthcoming World Test Championship cycle.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to participate in six two-match series throughout the 2025-27 cycle, which is the joint lowest alongside Bangladesh. Mathews highlighted that Australia, England, and India will be playing 22, 21, and 18 Tests respectively. The four Tests that Sri Lanka will play in 2025 mark their lowest number in a calendar year, except for 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, since 2013.
"It's truly disheartening, to be honest. The younger generation is calling for an increase in Test cricket. Test cricket is undeniably the pinnacle of the sport. We all need to advocate for more Tests. The enthusiasm among these players for Test cricket is palpable.
"I believe there should be a minimum of 10 matches each year. Teams like England, India, and Australia are playing 15 or more games annually. Why can't we? We absolutely can. If we persist in our efforts, we must. We have won World Cups and made significant contributions to cricket as a nation, and we deserve to compete in Test cricket on par with Australia, India, and England," Matthews stated, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.
Last month, Mathews declared that he would retire from Test cricket following the first match against Bangladesh in Galle. The 37-year-old, who made his Test debut at the same venue against Pakistan in 2009, has been a key player in Sri Lankan cricket for over 15 years, making significant contributions as both an all-rounder and a leader.
With 8,167 runs in 118 matches, he ranks third among Sri Lankans for the most Test runs, behind Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardena (11,814). He has also been effective with the ball, taking 33 wickets. Additionally, he has the second-most runs at Galle, accumulating 2,206 runs across 33 Test matches at this venue.
Mathews will have the opportunity to enhance those 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 led the team to 13 victories in 34 matches from 2013 to 2017.
"I played my 100th Test in Galle, so I wanted to bid farewell there. However, the principal reason was that we currently have no games lined up. Following this match, our next Test assignment will be in a year's time, which is an excessively long wait," Mathews elaborated.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge Angelo Mathews' valid concerns regarding the dwindling number of Test matches for Sri Lanka. The nation's rich cricketing history and contributions to the sport warrant equal opportunities in the Test arena, akin to other prominent cricketing nations. The future generation of players deserves a robust Test schedule to develop their skills and passion for the game.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Angelo Mathews' concern regarding Test cricket in Sri Lanka?
Angelo Mathews is worried about the limited number of Test matches Sri Lanka will play, advocating for at least 10 matches per year to align with other major cricketing nations.
How many Tests will Sri Lanka play in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle?
Sri Lanka is scheduled to play six two-match series, totaling only 12 Tests, which is the lowest alongside Bangladesh.
What are Mathews' achievements in Test cricket?
Angelo Mathews has scored 8,167 runs in 118 Tests, making him the third-highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka. He is also recognized as the third most successful captain of the team.
When will Mathews retire from Test cricket?
Mathews announced he will retire after the first match against Bangladesh in Galle.
Why does Mathews believe Sri Lanka deserves more Test matches?
He believes that Sri Lanka’s cricketing achievements, including World Cup victories, justify the need for more Test opportunities, similar to Australia, England, and India.
