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Sri Lanka Pays Tribute To Angelo Mathews With Guard Of Honour Ahead Of His Final Test

Soumyajit Dutta

Angelo Mathews walks through the Guard of Honour [Source: @newswire/Instagram.com]Angelo Mathews walks through the Guard of Honour [Source: @newswire/Instagram.com]

In a heartfelt tribute to one of Sri Lanka’s cricketing greats, the Sri Lankan cricket gave Angelo Mathews a guard of honour as he took the field for his final Test match. The moment came at the Galle International Stadium on June 17, 2025, as Sri Lanka hosted Bangladesh in the opening Test of their two-match series. 

Angelo Mathews Receives The Guard Of Honour

The emotional ceremony that saw current Colts Cricket Club players lift their bat over their shoulders, lining the entrance, to show respect as Angelo Mathews walked through them recognized his immense contribution to Sri Lankan cricket over a distinguished career spanning more than 16 years.

Angelo Mathews [Source: @newswire/Instagram.com]Angelo Mathews [Source: @newswire/Instagram.com]

The Test series against Bangladesh also marks the start of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams. Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, will be looking to leverage their home advantage and build momentum with a blend of experienced players and fresh talent. 

Bangladesh, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, arrive with growing confidence and aim to challenge the hosts on spin-friendly Galle pitches. The series promises competitive cricket, but the spotlight remains firmly on Mathews’ farewell.

Angelo Mathews Announced His Retirement Back In May

Earlier in May 2025, Angelo Mathews announced his retirement from Test cricket, confirming that the Galle Test would be his last appearance in the longest format. While he will continue to be available for white-ball cricket if needed, this match signifies the end of an era. Mathews debuted in Test cricket in 2009 at the very same venue, making his farewell all the more poignant.

Mathews' Stellar Career

Over 119 Tests, Mathews amassed 8,167 runs at an impressive average of 44.62, including 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries, making him Sri Lanka’s third-highest run-scorer in Tests behind legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. 

Angelo Mathews also played 118 Tests, placing him fourth in appearances for Sri Lanka. Known for his reliability both at home and away, Mathews scored nearly half his runs outside Sri Lanka, highlighting his adaptability and class.

As Sri Lanka bids goodbye to one of its finest all-rounders, the guard of honour and the ongoing Test series serve as fitting tributes to Angelo Mathews’ remarkable career and enduring legacy in Sri Lankan cricket.