My last few games were ordinary: Mathews

Sri Lanka's prolific all-rounder is set to retire from Tests

GALLE:

The curtains are set to come down on Angelo Mathews' illustrious Test career in less than a weeks time in Galle – a fitting stage for a grand finale.

A teenage prodigy once tipped to be the next big all-rounder, Mathews weathered many storms, reinvented his game and ultimately carved out a niche as a dependable middle-order batter.

With 8,167 Test runs to his name, he signs off as Sri Lanka's third-highest run-scorer, behind the towering twin pillars of Kumara Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814).

Unlike his two illustrious predecessors who batted with a touch of poetry, Mathews' craft was forged in grit rather than grace. His wasn't a willow that sang, but one that scraped and scrapped, often when the chips were down. Few would have wagered on him joining the elite run club, but through sheer consistency and an indomitable spirit, he made it.

In an exclusive interview with Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net), Mathews opened up about his decision to hang up his boots.

"I wasn't happy with my returns in the last seven to nine games. By my standards, it wasn't up to the mark. I looked at the calendar – only two Tests scheduled over the next 18 months. One at 38, another at 39. Felt like a long wait and I thought it's best a younger player gets a crack.

Mathews admitted he was proud, yet slightly wistful. "I never dreamt I'd finish as the third-highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka, especially behind two legends of the game. Yes, there's a tinge of disappointment not breaching that 10,000-run mark. Injuries and setbacks played their part, but I'm ever grateful to God for letting me play 118 Tests."

Though the whites are being folded away, Mathews isn't done with cricket just yet. With the T20 World Cup coming up – co-hosted by Sri Lanka in eight months – he hasn't ruled out one final hurrah in coloured clothing.

Mathews said

I've always said that Test cricket is the ultimate examination. Like Virat Kohli mentioned, it's where you truly earn respect. It tests every aspect  — your skill, your character, your patience. That's the real deal.

"I've always said that Test cricket is the ultimate examination. Like Virat Kohli mentioned, it's where you truly earn respect. It tests every aspect — your skill, your character, your patience. That's the real deal," he said.

Mathews also fondly recalled two crowning moments in his career – leading Sri Lanka to their first-ever Test series win in England in 2014, and the historic 3-0 whitewash of Australia in 2016 to lift the Warne-Murali Trophy.

"That England series was something else — scoring back-to-back hundreds and winning from behind was deeply satisfying. Then to beat Australia 3-0 was special. I'll always be grateful to the players and support staff who made those memories possible."

Beyond his own milestones, Mathews takes quiet pride in having nurtured the next generation. More than half of the current national side debuted under his captaincy.

"There's no greater satisfaction than seeing those youngsters blossom into match-winners. Identifying talent is one thing, but backing them through lean patches is what really matters. Watching them now — they're vital cogs in the wheel. It gives me hope that Sri Lankan cricket is in good hands."