Sri Lanka’s veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews has announced he will retire from Test cricket following the first match of the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, scheduled from June 17 to 21.

Mathews, 37, confirmed the decision in a statement on Friday.

“The first Test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country,” he said tomedia.

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“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,” he added

Making his Test debut against Pakistan in Galle in 2009, Mathews went on to become the youngest Test captain for Sri Lanka, leading the side in England at the age of 25.

Over a career spanning 16 years, he has played 118 Tests, scoring 8167 runs at an average of 44.62, including 16 centuries and 45 half-centuries. He also took 33 wickets as a batting all-rounder.

“It is time for me to say goodbye to the most cherished format of the game, international Test cricket,” he wrote on social media. “I have given my everything to cricket and cricket has given me everything in return.”

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Mathews thanked fans for their support through highs and lows, adding that nothing matched the pride of wearing the Sri Lankan jersey.

His retirement will mark the end of an era for Sri Lankan Test cricket, with the former captain leaving behind a legacy of consistency.