Guard of Honor in Galle: Bangladesh saluted Angelo Mathews in its final test for Sri Lanka – Watch | Cricket news
Angelo Matthews went out of the field in Galle on Tuesday, possibly the last time in Test cricket. He made 39 in the first innings, and as he made his way back to the pavilion, Bangladesh players prepared him to give him a guard of honor – a simple gesture of honor for someone that has been for almost two decades. It was the 119th test of Matthews, and it brings down the curtain on a long and stable career in the format. In 17 years, he became one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable players – with bat, with balls when needed, and also as a cool voice in the dressing room.8,206 runs and 16 centuries of his tally does not tell the whole story. He played through Sri Lanka’s transition period, taking additional responsibility after retirement of big names. He was playing silently, after the game.
Earlier this week, Mathews confirmed on social media that this would be his final test. “I have given everything to cricket and cricket has given me everything in return,” he wrote, saying that it will still be available for white ball formats if the team needs it.Quiz: Who is that IPL player? The match in Galle is not just about runs or wickets. It is about a player who signs in by a format he gave a lot. Matthews’ companions, crowds and even his opponents felt so. The applause was not loud, but it felt real. There was no grand speech, no waving flags – just a quiet node for a player who gave Sri Lankan cricket his best year. This was a proper farewell. Nothing is dramatic, just respectable himself like a man.
