‘I would love to sign off with a World Cup win’

Veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews brought the curtain down on his illustrious Test career with his 100th and final appearance in the longest format during the first Test against Bangladesh at Galle --the very ground where it all began for him in 2009.

The 38-year-old former skipper leaves behind an indelible legacy, not only as a dependable batter and steady bowler, but also as the second-highest run-scorer at Galle with 2,253 runs from 34 Tests.

Addressing the media after the match, Mathews reflected on the drawn contest and the emotions of walking away from red-ball cricket.

"Once you get a 400 in the first innings, it's really difficult to lose a game," he said. "We had to bat well and scrap through to minimize the lead. And also in the second innings, Shanto batted brilliantly."

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 148 and an unbeaten 125 to guide his team to safety, earning the Player of the Match award. Mathews, however, was more focused on the bigger picture-- his journey, the farewell, and what lies ahead.

"It was a tough wicket for the bowlers, to be honest. There were times where it turned a little bit but didn't really have much for the bowlers. We could have pushed for a win, but unfortunately, we couldn't," he admitted.

With the red-ball chapter closed, Mathews now shifts his sights to what he hopes will be a fitting end to his international career-- a final shot at World Cup glory.

"I've still got six more months to go. I'll give it my best shot for the 2026 T20 World Cup," he declared. "I would love to sign off with a World Cup win. I'll just see how my body goes."

Mathews, who was part of Sri Lanka's triumphant 2014 T20 World Cup squad, acknowledged the flood of affection he has received since announcing his Test retirement.

"I'm overwhelmed. I just can't imagine the love I have received up to now. It's so special," he said. "When you give your 110% to the country, the appreciation you get is heartwarming. I'm so thankful to everyone."

While Test cricket has lost one of its modern stalwarts, Mathews isn't done yet--he remains determined to chase one last piece of glory in Sri Lankan colors.