Angelo Mathews receives the Guard of Honors in Galle Test.
2025.06.17
Angelo Mathews’ remarkable 16-year Test career was celebrated in Galle with a heartfelt guard of honour in his farewell match.
On June 17, 2025, at the Galle International Stadium, the cricket community saw a touching scene when veteran Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka was presented with a Guard of Honour by his teammates. In the first Test of the Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh series, which also serves as the opening match of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship, he played his final Test match with this heartfelt homage. This unique occasion honored Mathews’ enormous contribution to Sri Lankan cricket over the course of his illustrious 16-year career.
The departure was all the more heartbreaking because Mathews’ Test cricket career started at the same place where he said goodbye. Mathews has been a representation of quality and tenacity since his 2009 debut, scoring 8,167 runs at an outstanding average of 44.62 in 119 Test matches. He ranks third on Sri Lanka’s all-time Test run-scoring list with 16 hundreds and 45 half-centuries, behind only the greats Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. Beyond the stats, Mathews’ ability to produce reliably both domestically and overseas—scoring almost half of his runs outside of Sri Lanka—highlights his versatility and talent in a variety of settings.
In addition to being a productive batsman, Mathews has been a reliable all-round player who has led the team and taken important wickets during his stay. His endurance and fitness in the demanding format are demonstrated by his 118 Test appearances, which place him fourth in Sri Lankan history. An era came to an end when he announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, but he is still available for white-ball formats and will continue to support Sri Lankan cricket in other ways.
In the Galle Test, Angelo Mathews is awarded the Guard of Honor.
Players from the Colts Cricket Club raised their bats as Mathews entered the field during the poignant Guard of Honour ceremony at Galle. For a player who has been a vital part of Sri Lankan cricket, this gesture represented respect and appreciation. This tribute’s timing—during a crucial Test series against Bangladesh—highlights how highly regarded Mathews is by teammates, rivals, and supporters alike.
Dhananjaya de Silva, the captain of Sri Lanka, hopes to start their World Test Championship campaign strong by taking advantage of home conditions and a combination of seasoned and up-and-coming talent. Najmul Hossain Shanto leads Bangladesh, who arrive with confidence and a desire to test the hosts on Galle’s spin-friendly fields. The focus is still on Mathews’ dignified departure from Test cricket, which is a celebration of his lasting legacy and impact on the sport, despite this competitive environment.
@CharithRajapaksha
