With Sri Lanka set to play fewer red-ball matches in the next 18 months, the 38-year-old right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer decided to quit red-ball cricket, vacating the spot for a youngster.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I wasn\u2019t happy with my returns in the last seven to nine games. By my standards, it wasn\u2019t up to the mark. I looked at the calendar \u2013 only two Tests scheduled over the next 18 months. One at 38, another at 39. Felt like a long wait, and I thought it\u2019s best a younger player gets a crack,\" Mathews told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) in an exclusive interview on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mathews signs off with 8,167 Test runs to his name, which makes him Sri Lanka\u2019s third-highest run-scorer, behind the legendary Kumar Sangakkara (12,400) and Mahela Jayawardene (11,814).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mathews admitted he was proud, yet slightly wistful. \u201cI never dreamt I\u2019d finish as the third-highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka, especially behind two legends of the game. Yes, there\u2019s a tinge of disappointment not breaching that 10,000-run mark. Injuries and setbacks played their part, but I\u2019m ever grateful to God for letting me play 118 Tests.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
EYES ON T20 WORLD CUP<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mathews is still hoping to play other formats of the game and especially wants to end his career with a last hurrah in coloured clothing. With the T20 World Cup coming up \u2013 that Sri Lanka is co-hosting with India -- in eight months, the 38-year-old allrounder hasn\u2019t ruled out one final attempt to claim an ICC title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I\u2019ve always said that Test cricket is the ultimate examination. Like Virat Kohli mentioned, it\u2019s where you truly earn respect. It tests every aspect \u2013 your skill, your character, your patience. That\u2019s the real deal,\" said Mathews.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mathews also fondly recalled two crowning moments of his career \u2013 leading Sri Lanka to their first-ever Test series win in England in 2014, and the historic 3-0 whitewash of Australia in 2016 to lift the Warne-Murali Trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat England series was something else \u2013 scoring back-to-back hundreds and winning from behind was deeply satisfying. Then to beat Australia 3-0 was special. I\u2019ll always be grateful to the players and support staff who made those memories possible,\u201d he was quoted as saying in the interview.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Beyond his milestones, Mathews takes quiet pride in having nurtured the next generation. More than half of the current national side debuted under his captaincy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no greater satisfaction than seeing those youngsters blossom into match-winners. Identifying talent is one thing, but backing them through lean patches is what really matters. Watching them now \u2013 they\u2019re vital cogs in the wheel. It gives me hope that Sri Lankan cricket is in good hands.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What will add more glitter to his career will be ending his international career with an ICC title<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no greater satisfaction than seeing those youngsters blossom into match-winners. Identifying talent is one thing, but backing them through lean patches is what really matters. Watching them now \u2013 they\u2019re vital cogs in the wheel. It gives me hope that Sri Lankan cricket is in good hands.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n