Sri Lankan cricket stalwart Angelo Mathews is set to conclude his Test career after the upcoming first Test against Bangladesh in Galle, marking his 119th appearance in the format. While stepping away from Test cricket, Mathews will continue his white-ball career with plans to retire after the 2026 T20 World Cup.Mathews will finish his Test career with impressive statistics, accumulating 8167 runs across 118 Tests. His batting record includes 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries, alongside taking 33 wickets in his role as an all-rounder.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Former India captain Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from Test cricket, shared a personal message for Mathews, highlighting their long-standing cricket relationship.“Hey Angie, congratulations on your fantastic career. Over the years we had some pretty good battles from our under-19 days to now. You’ve been a true servant for your nation and I’m pretty sure everyone back at home appreciates what you’ve done for your country,” Rohit said.Mathews has outlined his future plans in white-ball cricket, expressing his intentions to continue until the next T20 World Cup.“There are six more months until the next T20 World Cup, and I’ll give it a try depending on what my body tells me. I hope to retire from white-ball cricket at that World Cup. If we can win another World Cup, I’ll try to contribute toward that. So I’ll do everything I can to improve my fitness and skills over the next six months,” Mathews said ahead of his farewell Test match.The circumstances of Mathews’ Test retirement differ from Rohit Sharma’s recent exit from the format. Rohit did not receive a farewell Test match and withdrew himself from the playing XI in the fifth Test against Australia.Rohit’s Test retirement announcement came weeks before the selection meeting to discuss India’s tour of England, despite his earlier confirmation about continuing as Test captain. He remains active in ODI cricket.Mathews, recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s premier all-rounders, will aim to conclude his Test career with a strong performance in the series opener against Bangladesh.The two-match Test series against Bangladesh in Galle will serve as the final chapter of Mathews’ Test career, bringing to close a significant era in Sri Lankan cricket.
