'I am overwhelmed by the love I've received' - Angelo Mathews as he bids farewell to Tests

Sri Lankan veteran Angelo Mathews made his final Test appearance in the first game of the series against Bangladesh at Galle International Stadium, the same venue where he made his debut back in 2009. The former Sri Lankan skipper left behind a remarkable legacy, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer at the venue with 2,253 runs from 34 Test matches.

Mathews remarked on the game that scoring 400 runs in the first innings often puts a team in a commanding position and makes it difficult to lose. He praised Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for his outstanding performance in the match. Shanto led from the front, scoring 148 in the first innings and an unbeaten 125 in the second, earning him the Player of the Match award.

“Once you get a 400 in the first innings, it's really difficult to lose a game. So we had to bat really well in our first innings as well. I thought we scrapped our way through and to minimize the lead. And also in the second innings, Shanto batted brilliantly,” Mathews said in the post-match presentation.

The star cricketer noted that it was a challenging wicket for bowlers, mentioning that while there was some turn and added that the pitch did not offer much overall assistance to them.

“It was a tough wicket for the bowlers, to be honest. There were times where it turned a little bit but didn't really have anything for the bowlers. We could have pushed for a win, but unfortunately, we couldn't,” he added.

I'd love to sign off with a World Cup win: Mathews

Mathews has stepped away from red-ball cricket and expressed his desire to focus on the 2026 T20 World Cup. He stated that he would like to sign off from the game with another World Cup victory and acknowledge the importance of managing his body at this stage of his career. He was also a key member of the Sri Lankan squad that clinched the T20 World Cup in 2014, defeating India in the final.

“I've still got six more months to go. I'll give it my best shot for the (2026) T20 World Cup. I would love to sign off with a World Cup win. I'll just see how my body goes,” Mathews said.

The legendary all-rounder also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and support he received following his retirement announcement last month. He described the response as heartwarming and extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone.

“I'm overwhelmed. Ever since I announced my retirement, I just can't imagine the love that I have received up to now. It is so special because you feel as a player, once you give your 110 per cent for the country, the amount of appreciation that you receive is unbelievable. It feels so special, very heartwarming, and I'm so thankful to all of them,” the 38-year-old signed off.