Angelo Mathews eyes 2026 T20 World Cup farewell: will fitness hold up?

After a distinguished Test career capped by a heartfelt farewell, Angelo Mathews aims to conclude his white-ball journey at the 2026 T20 World Cup. This report explores his career highs, struggles with workload management, and the fitness challenge that will determine his final cricket chapter.

Sources:
Times Now+1
Updated 1h ago
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Sources: Cricbuzz.comTimes Now
Sri Lankan cricket stalwart Angelo Mathews is set to retire from Test cricket following the opening match of the two-match series against Bangladesh in Galle. However, the 2026 T20 World Cup remains his target for a final white-ball appearance, contingent on maintaining his fitness.

Mathews, a right-handed batsman and all-rounder, has amassed an impressive 8,167 runs in 118 Tests, including 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries, alongside 33 wickets. His career reflects both remarkable achievements and the toll of intense workload management.

Reflecting on his journey, Mathews admitted, "I'm quite happy. I couldn't bowl much since 2016 because, from 2008 to 2015, I was playing in all formats as an all-rounder." This workload has influenced his bowling contributions in recent years.

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva emphasized the team's intent to honor Mathews appropriately, stating, "We want to win the match for Angelo and give him a good farewell."

Former India Test captain Rohit Sharma also extended heartfelt wishes, highlighting the respect Mathews commands across cricketing nations.

As Mathews transitions from Test cricket, his focus on fitness will be crucial to realizing his ambition of a T20 World Cup farewell in 2026, marking the end of a distinguished international career.
Sources: Cricbuzz.comTimes Now
Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews plans to retire from Test cricket after the Bangladesh series and aims for a 2026 T20 World Cup farewell, contingent on his fitness. Mathews has scored 8,167 runs in 118 Tests and acknowledges past workload challenges affecting his bowling.
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Key Facts
  • Angelo Mathews will retire from Test cricket after the opening game of the two-match series against Bangladesh in Galle and is targeting the 2026 T20 World Cup as his white-ball career swansong, depending on his fitness.Cricbuzz.com1
  • Mathews has played 118 Tests scoring 8167 runs including 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries, and has taken 33 wickets.Times Now
  • Former India captain Rohit Sharma sent a heartfelt message to Mathews before his farewell Test, recalling their rivalry since their U-19 days and both reaching international success.Times Now
  • Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said the team aims to win Mathews' farewell Test to give him a proper send-off.Cricbuzz.com1
  • Mathews reflected on his career, expressing satisfaction but acknowledging he paid the price for poor workload management and that he has bowled less since 2016 due to playing all formats as an all-rounder from 2008 to 2015.Cricbuzz.com1
As for Mathews, he will end his Test career with more than 8000 runs and 33 wickets.
Times Now
Times Now
The Sri Lankan all-rounder will retire from Test cricket after the opening game of the two-match series against Bangladesh in Galle, said on Monday that he is targeting the 2026 T20 World Cup as the swansong for his white-ball career, depending on his fitness.
Cricbuzz.com
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Key Stats at a Glance
Total Test runs
8167 runs
Times Now
Number of Test matches played
118 Tests
Times Now
Test centuries
16 centuries
Times Now
Test half-centuries
45 half-centuries
Times Now
Test wickets
33 wickets
Times Now
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