Veteran Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews was given a guard of honour as he entered the field ahead of his final Test match. A video of the same surfaced on social media as a few people held up their bats to pay tribute to Mathews' storied Test career. He also posed for a picture soon after.
The former Sri Lankan captain will retire from international red-ball cricket after the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh in Galle that began on June 17, Tuesday. Having made his first Test appearance in 2009, the all-rounder will have stretched his number of appearances to 119 in the format. The veteran led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests between 2014 to 2017.
Watch the below video:
"I have given everything to cricket and cricket has given me everything in return" - Angelo Mathews
In his retirement post on Instagram, Mathews said representing Sri Lanka at the international level has been his highest pride and is available for selection in the limited-overs format. The veteran had written:
"The past 17 years of playing cricket for Sri Lanka has been my highest honour and pride. I have given everything to cricket and cricket has given me everything in return and made me the person I am today. Whilst I bid adieu to the Test format, as discussed with selectors I will remain available for selection for the white ball format, if and when my country needs me."
