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Angelo Mathews, the seasoned Sri Lankan all-rounder, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a significant chapter in his illustrious career. The first Test match against Bangladesh in Galle will be his farewell appearance in the longest format of the game. However, this doesn't signify the complete end of his international career, as Mathews has expressed his ambition to continue playing white-ball cricket, with his sights firmly set on the 2025 T20 World Cup. This decision is contingent on his fitness levels and overall form in the coming years. Galle holds special significance for Mathews, as it was the venue for his Test debut in 2009 against Pakistan, his 100th Test match, and now, his final Test appearance. This symbolic association with the ground adds an emotional layer to his retirement. Mathews explained that the primary reason for his retirement from Test cricket at this juncture is the lengthy gap between Sri Lanka's Test assignments. With the next Test series being a year away, he believes it is an opportune time to allow a younger player to gain experience and establish themselves in the team. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for emerging talent, acknowledging that waiting another year might not be feasible or beneficial for the aspiring player. He has communicated his intentions to the selectors and hopes that his decision will contribute to the long-term growth and development of Sri Lankan cricket.
Looking ahead, Mathews has revealed his desire to participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka. He recognizes the challenges of maintaining peak fitness and form over the next six months but is determined to give it his best shot. His ultimate goal is to contribute to another World Cup victory for Sri Lanka, aiming to utilize his experience and skills to help the team succeed on the global stage. Throughout his career, Mathews has been a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team, contributing with both bat and ball. However, he acknowledges that his heavy workload in the past, particularly during his tenure as captain, took a toll on his body. He admitted that he did not prioritize workload management effectively, which ultimately affected his bowling capabilities. From 2008 to 2015, he played in all formats of the game, consistently contributing with bat, ball, and in the field. This relentless schedule eventually led to injuries and limitations in his bowling. Despite the physical challenges, Mathews maintains a positive outlook and expresses no regrets, emphasizing his commitment to giving his best for his country and his team.
Reflecting on the current state of Sri Lankan cricket, Mathews expressed optimism about the future. He believes that the team is moving in the right direction, attributing the recent progress to improved communication and a more supportive environment within the system. He specifically highlighted the contributions of Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga, praising their leadership and their efforts to foster open communication between players, coaches, and selectors. Mathews emphasized that effective communication is crucial for creating a positive team environment, which in turn leads to improved performance. He noted that Sri Lanka has performed well in Test matches, even having a chance to qualify for the World Test Championship final. He also acknowledged the team's progress in ODIs and T20s over the past two years. He firmly believes that the clear communication and supportive environment have played a significant role in the team's recent success. Mathews further emphasized that the communication has been excellent between seniors, juniors and everyone else, making the environment conducive for improved performance. He believes this is helping a lot of young players that are coming up the ranks.
Sri Lanka's current captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, echoed Mathews' sentiments and expressed the team's desire to give him a memorable send-off. He acknowledged Mathews' significant contributions to the team, particularly his experience and leadership. De Silva stated that the team is determined to win the match against Bangladesh as a tribute to Mathews and to celebrate his career. He also drew a parallel to Dimuth Karunaratne's recent retirement, expressing disappointment that the team was unable to secure a victory in his final match and highlighting the team's determination to avoid a similar outcome for Mathews. De Silva believes that while Mathews' absence will be felt, the team has capable players and promising youngsters who are ready to step up and fill the void. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to continue performing well, even without Mathews' experience and leadership. Overall, the retirement of Angelo Mathews from Test cricket marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket. His contributions to the team over the years have been immense, and he will be remembered as a dedicated and passionate player. While he is stepping away from Test cricket, his ambition to continue playing white-ball cricket demonstrates his ongoing commitment to Sri Lankan cricket. His experience and leadership will undoubtedly be valuable assets to the team as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The team is determined to give him a fitting farewell and to honor his legacy with a victory in his final Test match.
The impact of Angelo Mathews on Sri Lankan cricket extends beyond his individual performances. He has served as a role model for aspiring cricketers and has inspired countless fans with his dedication and commitment. His leadership qualities and his ability to perform under pressure have been invaluable to the team. He has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to contribute in any way possible. His batting prowess has often been crucial to the team's success, and he has also chipped in with valuable wickets and outstanding fielding efforts. His versatility and adaptability have made him a valuable asset in all formats of the game. While his bowling capabilities have been limited in recent years due to injuries, his experience and tactical awareness have continued to be beneficial. He has often provided valuable insights and guidance to the younger bowlers in the team. His contribution extends into his ability to read match situations and advise on tactics. The farewell series against Bangladesh will be an opportunity for fans and teammates to express their gratitude for his contributions to Sri Lankan cricket. It will also be a chance to celebrate his career and to recognize his achievements. He has been a true ambassador for the sport and has represented Sri Lanka with pride and dignity. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, he will undoubtedly continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for many aspiring cricketers in Sri Lanka. He represents an example of the grit, dedication and hard work needed to succeed.
In conclusion, Angelo Mathews' decision to retire from Test cricket marks the end of an illustrious chapter in his career. His contributions to Sri Lankan cricket have been significant, and he will be remembered as a dedicated and passionate player. His ambition to continue playing white-ball cricket and to participate in the 2025 T20 World Cup demonstrates his ongoing commitment to the sport. The team is determined to give him a fitting farewell and to honor his legacy with a victory in his final Test match. His presence both on and off the pitch will be missed in the Test format. He plans to continue his white-ball cricket career to the 2025 T20 World Cup. He looks forward to giving everything he has and helping Sri Lanka in any way he can. It is clear that he will be remembered for his contributions to Sri Lankan cricket, both as a player and as a leader. This includes, his batting prowess, tactical awareness and his work ethic. He has undoubtedly left a mark on Sri Lankan cricket and has paved the way for a new generation of talented cricketers to emerge and represent the nation with pride. The future of Sri Lankan cricket is bright and Angelo Mathews believes his retirement creates an opportunity for others to rise.
Therefore, the retirement of Angelo Mathews is a monumental moment for Sri Lankan cricket. It is an important moment in that it represents the end of an era, the end of a career that had impact both on and off the field. Angelo's leadership, his dedication and his willingness to put his body on the line will always be appreciated in Sri Lanka. He set high standards of how to prepare and perform, standards that others will try to live up to. Now that he is moving on, it is time to reflect on the many contributions that he has made to Sri Lankan cricket, and to wish him the very best in his white ball career. In order to fill the void that he is leaving, others will need to step up and take on more responsibility. The retirement will certainly create opportunities for others to get involved and for others to show their skills. It will be exciting to see who will rise to the occasion. Angelo, meanwhile, continues to prepare for the T20 World Cup and looks forward to working hard for his nation. He will focus on fitness and skill improvement, hoping to add value as Sri Lanka seek to win another World Cup.
Source: Test farewell in sight, Mathews wants to sign off with T20 World Cup