Watch: Sri Lanka Cricket Felicitates Angelo Mathews For Playing His 100 Tests
On Sunday, seasoned all-rounder Angelo Mathews became the sixth Sri Lankan cricketer to play 100 Test matches for his nation. When the second Test in Galle began, the 35-year-old was honoured by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and was joined by his family.
SLC vice president Dr Jayantha Dharmadasa and former pacer Chaminda Vaas attended the event before the first day of play began, along with other members of the Dimuth Karunaratne-led team. Mathews received a gift to honour his 100th Test appearance for Sri Lanka.
Angelo Mathews Is Just The 6th Sri Lankan Player To Play 100 Tests For Sri Lanka
“Angelo Mathews receives commemorative cap and a special gift before play to mark his 100th Test for Sri Lanka,” the SLC tweeted.
? A special presentation to mark the 100th Test of @Angelo69Mathews!
WATCH: https://t.co/KR38LgWg53#AM100 https://t.co/8w5jXg8EZr pic.twitter.com/8V3SUwxdJt
— Sri Lanka Cricket ?? (@OfficialSLC) July 24, 2022
In an ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2008, Mathews made his debut for Sri Lanka. Despite a less than stellar start to his career, he finally proved to be a wonderful all-arounder. He has played 218 one-day internationals, 100 tests, and 78 twenty20 internationals so far, totalling 5835, 6876, and 1148 runs overall in each format respectively, including 13 tonnes in the longest format and 3 in ODIs.
In addition, Mathews has 33 Test wickets, 120 ODI wickets, and 28 T20I wickets, respectively.
Even though Sri Lankan cricket is currently in a transitional period, the country has a rich history and has produced some fantastic Test cricketers.
Mahela Jayawardene has played the most number of Tests for Srilanka, 149, followed by Kumar Sangakkara who has played 134 Tests. Spin legend, Muttiah Muralidharan has played 132 Tests. Former left-arm pacer Chaminda Vaas played 111 Tests while Sanath Jayasurya played 110 Tests.
Coming to the second Test, opening batsman Oshada Fernando gave the hosts a strong start against Pakistan on Sunday at Galle International Stadium before losing his wicket for 50. Around the time of lunch, Sri Lanka lost another wicket when Kusal Mendis was run out for three off a direct toss from Agha Salman when the batsman was backing up at the non-strikers’ end.
