Was unhappy with my returns in last few matches, says Angelo Mathews as he ends red-ball career

Mumbai: As he walks into a cricketing sunset as Sri Lanka's third most successful batter in Test cricket, Sri Lanka's former captain Angelo Mathews says his decision to hang up his boots was hastened by low returns in his last seven to nine red-ball matches.
With Sri Lanka set to play fewer red-ball matches in the next 18 months, the 38-year-old right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer decided to quit red-ball cricket, vacating the spot for a youngster.
"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 told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) in an exclusive interview on Thursday.
Mathews signs off with 8,167 Test runs to his name, which makes him Sri Lanka's third-highest run-scorer, behind the legendary Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814).
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.'
EYES ON T20 WORLD CUP
Mathews is still hoping to play other formats of the game and especially wants to end his career with a last hurrah in coloured clothing. With the T20 World Cup coming up – that Sri Lanka is co-hosting with India -- in eight months, the 38-year-old allrounder hasn't ruled out one final attempt to claim an ICC title.
"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," said Mathews.
Mathews also fondly recalled two crowning moments of 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,' he was quoted as saying in the interview.
Beyond his 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.'
What will add more glitter to his career will be ending his international career with an ICC title or two.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

India.com

40 minutes ago

• India.com

Sourav Ganguly Open To Coaching Team India: A Potential Twist In Indian Cricket's Future?

In a candid revelation that's set the cricketing world abuzz, Sourav Ganguly, one of Indian cricket's most iconic leaders, has admitted that he is open to becoming the next head coach of Team India. During an interview amidst the ongoing ENG vs IND 2025 Test series, Ganguly stated that while he hadn't previously considered the role due to his commitments as BCCI President and IPL administrator, he's now ready to keep the door open. "I'm just 50. Let's see what happens," Ganguly said, signaling a potential return to Team India in a capacity he hasn't taken up yet — that of a coach. With this statement, Ganguly may be closing the loop on a storied cricket career that has already seen him shine as a player, captain, and administrator. A Career Built for Coaching? Despite never donning the official head coach cap, Ganguly's cricketing intellect and leadership credentials remain unmatched. His strategic mind was evident during his tenure as captain, where he famously built a fearless Indian side in the early 2000s. Post-retirement, he served as BCCI President from 2019 to 2022 and is currently the Director of Cricket at Delhi Capitals, giving him valuable experience in franchise management and talent development. While fans have long speculated about a return in a coaching avatar, Ganguly had dismissed the idea in 2019 citing other priorities. Now, the tide may be shifting — and with Gautam Gambhir's contract running till the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ganguly could emerge as a prime candidate thereafter. Gautam Gambhir's Start: Rocky but Promising Ganguly didn't just stop at his own ambitions — he also offered his take on Gautam Gambhir's early journey as Team India head coach. Gambhir took over from Rahul Dravid post the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the transition has been anything but smooth. "He started a little slow, losing to Australia and New Zealand," Ganguly observed. These losses cost India a spot in the 2025 World Test Championship Final — a major early blemish on Gambhir's report card. However, Ganguly balanced criticism with encouragement, noting, 'He picked up with the Champions Trophy, and this England series is going to be a big one for him.' This ongoing England series is pivotal not just for India's performance overseas but also for Gambhir's credibility as head coach. Under Shubman Gill's captaincy, India posted a mammoth 471 in their first innings in Leeds, signaling a potential turnaround in form. Ganguly on Coaching vs Politics: 'I Am Not Interested' Interestingly, while Ganguly showed enthusiasm for a future coaching role, he was clear about not entering politics, despite ongoing speculation, especially in West Bengal. Asked if he would join politics or even consider the Chief Minister's post if offered, Ganguly simply smiled and said: 'I am not interested.' His focus seems firmly on cricket, and more specifically, a future with Team India in a mentorship role. What This Means for Indian Cricket If Ganguly does throw his hat into the coaching ring post-2027, it would mark a return of one of the most visionary cricketing minds India has produced. His ability to nurture young talent, his fearless brand of leadership, and his vast administrative experience make him a compelling candidate. Furthermore, a Ganguly-Gambhir transition could be seamless — the two share mutual respect, and Ganguly's comments reflected that bond. 'He was a great guy when we played together. He had a lot of respect for me and the seniors,' he said of Gambhir.

India Today

an hour ago

• India Today

Jasprit Bumrah as valuable as Kohinoor: Karthik praises pacer after Leeds heroics

Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik hailed Jasprit Bumrah as "as valuable as the Kohinoor diamond" following the star pacer's stunning five-wicket haul in the opening Test against England at Headingley. Karthik underlined Bumrah's match-winning abilities and exceptional consistency across formats, noting that the fast bowler has the best average among all Test cricketers with over 200 wickets."He is as valuable as the Kohinoor diamond. I hope people realise how important he is to the team across formats. He will make it work regardless of formats, bowling phase and any kind of ball. But more importantly, he has got the brain that knows what the batter is trying to do and he has got that wired very nicely. In the history of the game, for any bowler who has picked more than 200 wickets, he has the best average and that tells you he is something very special," Karthik said while speaking to Sky claimed figures of 5 for 82 as India dismissed England for 465 just before tea on the third day, thereby securing a slender six-run first-innings lead. It was his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and a display that once again reaffirmed his position as India's most reliable force with the red ball. The effort was even more commendable given the lack of support from the other seamers and a sub-par fielding effort. On Day 2, Bumrah had three catches dropped off his bowling, yet remained relentless. He returned the next morning to take two more wickets, ensuring England could not edge contrast, the remaining three Indian pacers - Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna - combined for just three wickets, conceding 288 runs between them. Bumrah's spell stood out for both its impact and efficiency, especially on a surface that offered little margin for Bumrah carved through the English lineup for his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket #ENGvIND : #WTC27 ICC (@ICC) June 22, 2025advertisementEngland's innings featured a fighting 99 from Harry Brook, who struck 11 boundaries and two sixes. He added 73 with debutant Jamie Smith (40) for the sixth wicket and another 49 with Chris Woakes (38), before falling one short of a century to Prasidh Krishna. Despite those partnerships, Bumrah's intervention proved has now taken 12 five-wicket hauls in away Tests - matching the great Kapil Dev's tally - but has achieved the feat in just 34 matches, compared to Kapil's 66. More tellingly, his Test average of 19.33 is the best among all 86 bowlers who have taken 200 or more wickets in the format's history. You May Also Like

First Post

2 hours ago

• First Post

Explained: Will ICC punish Rishabh Pant for angry confrontation with umpire?

Rishabh Pant faces the danger of being punished by the ICC for his angry confrontation with umpire Paul Reiffel during the Headingley Test. Here's an explainer on under which articles he can be punished. read more Rishabh Pant could face action from ICC after his confrontation with umpire Paul Reiffel. Image: Willow TV Indian wicket-keeper and vice-captain Rishabh Pant faces the threat of disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he was involved in a heated altercation with umpire Paul Reiffel during Day 3 of the first Test against England at Headingley. Pant was insisting on the change of the ball in the 63rd over of England's innings as he felt the red cherry had lost its shape; however, after using the standard gauge test, Reiffel decided to continue with the same ball. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This did not go down well with Pant, who threw away the ball in anger to express his disappointment. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was commenting at the moment, explained the reasons behind Pant's frustration. 'When you start wanting to change the ball every now and then, it's a clear indication that nothing's happening. We want something to happen. And that was frustration from Pant,' Shastri said on air. Former England opener Mark Butcher, however, wasn't happy with Pant's behaviour. 'I'm not sure there was any need for that. (We) know that he's a showman and part of that is probably in order to get a reaction from the crowd, but I'm not sure Paul Reiffel appreciated it very much,' Butcher said. Will ICC take action against Rishabh Pant for confrontation with umpire? ICC match referee Richie Richardson could take action against Pant as the Indian has most likely violated two specific articles of the Code of Conduct. Article 2.8 under the ICC Code of Conduct refers to dissent against an umpiring decision. It can be classified as either a Level 1 or Level 2 offense under clause (a) for showing excessive disappointment and clause (h) for engaging in prolonged discussion about the decision. He can also be penalised under Article 2.9, which prohibits 'throwing the ball at a player, umpire or another person in an inappropriate and dangerous manner.' Any offense under this article can also carry a potential Level 1 and Level 2 sanction. So far, the match referee has not taken any action, but it's quite possible that the sanctions will be announced at the end of the ongoing game.