Sri Lankan cricket legend Angelo Mathews has added yet one more accolade to his outstanding profession by turning into the third Sri Lankan cricketer to play 200 worldwide matches at residence. The milestone was achieved in the course of the second Check between Sri Lanka and New Zealand on the Galle Worldwide Stadium.
Mathews, a former Sri Lankan captain, joins an unique group of gamers who’ve crossed the 200-match mark of their residence nation. Solely two different Sri Lankan greats, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, have managed this feat. Jayawardene leads the checklist with 249 matches, whereas Sangakkara carefully follows with 235. Mathews’ inclusion on this group cements his legacy as one in every of Sri Lanka’s best all-rounders.
A Legacy Constructed Over 15 Years
Since making his worldwide debut in 2008, Mathews has been a pivotal determine in Sri Lankan cricket. With over 7000 runs and almost 200 wickets throughout codecs earlier than the beginning of the second Check, his contributions to the nationwide crew have been immense. Identified for his resilience, management, and talent to carry out in essential moments, Mathews has performed a key position in a lot of Sri Lanka’s victories, significantly in Check and ODI cricket.
Regardless of a couple of setbacks, together with accidents and being overlooked of the T20I facet for a while, Mathews’ dedication has been unwavering. His return to the T20I format earlier this 12 months confirmed his dedication to the crew and his want to proceed contributing on the highest stage. Commenting on his exclusion from the T20 World Cup squads, Mathews beforehand voiced his disappointment, hinting at selections made by the administration based mostly on agendas fairly than efficiency.
“Within the final two Lanka Premier League seasons, I batted and bowled effectively, however sadly, I wasn’t chosen for the T20 World Cups, and I wasn’t given causes for that,” Mathews stated in a candid interview. “In the event you take selections which might be pushed by agendas, these sorts of issues can occur. However one factor I imagine is that when you prepare and play wholeheartedly, you’ll be able to create an surroundings for your self the place you’ll be able to carry out.”
World Recognition
Mathews’ achievement locations him amongst a number of the biggest names in world cricket. Solely 17 cricketers have performed over 200 worldwide matches at residence, together with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Allan Border. The checklist of gamers who’ve completed this feat additionally consists of the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and James Anderson, demonstrating the rarity and significance of such a milestone.
The total checklist of gamers who’ve performed 200 or extra residence matches is as follows:
| Identify | Profession Span | Matches at House (Check+ODI+T20I) |
|---|---|---|
| Allan Border | 1978-1994 | 263 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 1990-2013 | 258 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 1997-2014 | 249 |
| Ricky Ponting | 1995-2012 | 249 |
| Steve Waugh | 1985-2004 | 242 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 2000-2015 | 235 |
| Jacques Kallis | 1995-2013 | 234 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | 2006-Current | 229 |
| Mark Boucher | 1998-2012 | 219 |
| Virat Kohli | 2009-Current | 219 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 2006-Current | 217 |
| Ross Taylor | 2006-2022 | 210 |
| Chris Gayle | 2000-2021 | 204 |
| James Anderson | 2003-Current | 203 |
| MS Dhoni | 2005-2019 | 202 |
| Tim Southee | 2008-Current | 201 |
| Angelo Mathews | 2009-Current | 200 |
A Image of Consistency
One of many hallmarks of Mathews’ profession has been his means to adapt and evolve over time. Whether or not enjoying on the sluggish, turning tracks of the subcontinent or on the quick, bouncy pitches of Australia and South Africa, Mathews has at all times discovered methods to contribute. In Sri Lanka’s residence circumstances, Mathews’ means to anchor the innings, information youthful gamers, and chip in along with his medium tempo bowling has made him a useful asset.
Regardless of being ignored for main T20 tournaments in recent times, Mathews has by no means let the frustration have an effect on his performances within the longer codecs of the sport. His dedication to return to the T20I facet lastly paid off earlier this 12 months, and his performances within the Lanka Premier League confirmed that the veteran nonetheless had loads to supply.
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Wanting Forward
At 37 years outdated, Mathews has hinted that he’s nonetheless hungry for fulfillment and isn’t prepared to hold up his boots simply but. “I believe I can play for a short time longer,” he stated, alluding to his hopes of constant to contribute to Sri Lankan cricket.
With a spot within the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy nonetheless up for grabs, Mathews’ management, expertise, and all-round capabilities could possibly be essential for Sri Lanka’s future campaigns. As he continues to interrupt information and obtain new milestones, Mathews stays an emblem of consistency and excellence in Sri Lankan cricket.
Angelo Mathews’ achievement of enjoying 200 worldwide matches at house is a testomony to his enduring class, ability, and dedication. As Sri Lanka continues to rebuild its cricketing fortunes, having stalwarts like Mathews shall be important in making certain that the crew stays aggressive on the worldwide stage.
His profession, which spans over 15 years, has been marked by resilience, management, and an unwavering dedication to the sport. Whether or not via his essential knocks, match-winning performances, or guiding the youthful technology, Angelo Mathews has left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan cricket—a legacy that shall be remembered for generations to return.
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