Mathews leaves as a stalwart who gave his best for Sri Lanka

• Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara were key figures in Sri Lanka’s Test cricket, with Muralitharan retiring with 800 scalps and a 10-wicket victory against India in 2010.

• Kumar Sangakkara was Sri Lanka’s highest-ever run-scorer in 2015, and Mahela Jayawardene scored a half-century in his final innings in an 105-run win over Pakistan.

• Angelo Mathews, fourth on the list of Sri Lanka’s most capped Test players, retired from Test cricket after a drab draw against Bangladesh in Galle.

• Mathews’ decision to retire was a matter of practicality rather than losing the drive to train and compete.

• Mathews’ stellar Test career, with 8214 runs at an average of 44.4 and 16 centuries, makes him one of Sri Lanka’s most prolific run-makers.

• Despite his retirement, Mathews’ all-round skill and performance were on par with high expectations.

• He was at his peak as a Test batter across 2013 and 2014, averaging more than 70 in both years and producing stupendous knocks.

• Mathews’ final innings against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2013 was a standout performance, scoring 157 off 343 deliveries without getting dislodged.

Sri Lanka’s All-Round Prowess: Mathews’ Greatest Knock

• Mathews’ best knock was a 160 against England at Headingley in 2014, a nerve-wracking draw against Alastair Cook’s men.

• He delivered a masterclass in batting with the tail, securing a 1-0 series win against England.

• Mathews’ all-round prowess was evident in the 2011 ODI World Cup final against India, where his ability to bat with the tail and read situations was a major factor.

• He was a core member of the team that finished runner-up in the 2009 and 2012 T20 World Cups, with figures of one for 25 in four overs.

• After the departure of Sangakkara and Jayawardene, Mathews had to bear the bulk of the burden as the skipper and senior statesman.

• He played more matches than anyone else in international cricket from 2010 to 2015, possibly leading to a spate of injuries and fitness issues.

• In 2018, Mathews was sacked as limited-overs captain and removed from the team altogether.

• He changed his diet, lifestyle, and training to cope with the injuries and regain his fitness.

• Mathews has no regrets in his career except for not joining the 10,000-run club in Tests. He aims to play all three formats and contribute 100% to the team in every game.