Angelo Mathews recently played his final Test match against Bangladesh, marking the end of a remarkable red-ball career that has greatly impacted Sri Lankan cricket over the past decade. The 38-year-old all-rounder, known as one of Sri Lanka's top Test batters, received a touching tribute from teammates and fans as he bid farewell to the format.

After debuting at the Galle International Stadium 16 years ago, Mathews returned to the same venue for his last appearance in Test whites. During the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh, his teammates honored him with a guard of honor on Day 1, highlighting the immense respect he holds within the Sri Lankan dressing room.

Mathews, who has played 118 Tests and is Sri Lanka's third-highest run-scorer in the format, behind Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, has amassed 8167 runs at an impressive average of 44.62. With 16 centuries and 45 fifty-plus scores, his consistency and longevity speak volumes about his skill and dedication. He joins an elite group of seven Sri Lankan players who have featured in over 100 Tests.

Beyond his impressive stats, Mathews is remembered for his pivotal role in Sri Lanka's historic 2014 Test series victory in England. Known for his ability to handle pressure and play long innings in tough conditions, he was a key figure in the team's middle order.

As Sri Lanka embarks on a new World Test Championship cycle, Dhananjaya de Silva leads the team in their quest for early points at home. The match also signifies the start of the new WTC cycle, following South Africa's recent triumph in the previous edition where they clinched their first ICC trophy in 27 years by defeating Australia.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh, captained by Najmul Hossain Shanto, aims to challenge Sri Lanka and disrupt Mathews' farewell narrative with a strong performance. However, regardless of the outcome, the focus at Galle remains on honoring one of Sri Lanka's cricketing greats as he takes his final bow.