Angelo Mathews Profile: Sri Lanka’s Long-Serving All-Rounder
Profile of Angelo Mathews, the Sri Lankan all-rounder who captained his country, helped win a 2014 Test series in England and played at several World Cups.
Angelo Mathews has been one of Sri Lanka’s most important cricketers for more than a decade. A right-handed batter who bowls medium pace, he took on the role of leader at a time when the country was rebuilding after the retirements of several great players, and he captained the national side across all formats.
Early life and rise
Born in Colombo in 1987, Mathews made his international debut in 2008, in a one-day international against India, and played his first Test in 2009. He was a young all-rounder who grew into the middle order, and over time he became the player the team turned to in difficult situations.
Playing style
Mathews is a calm, patient batter who builds innings with sensible shot selection, and he has often played the role of finisher in limited-overs matches. His medium-pace bowling, delivered with a short run-up, provided useful control and, when fit, an extra option for his captains. Injuries did limit his bowling in some periods of his career.
Career highlights
Mathews captained Sri Lanka between 2013 and 2017. In 2014, he led his side to a Test series win in England, in which he scored an unbeaten 160 at Headingley, and Sri Lanka also won the Asia Cup that year. He was part of the squad that won the 2014 T20 World Cup and played in World Cup finals in 2011.
In the 2023 World Cup, he became the first batter in international cricket to be given out timed out, in a match against Bangladesh in Delhi, an incident that prompted wide debate about the spirit of the game.
Franchise cricket
In the Indian Premier League, he has played for Pune Warriors India and Delhi Daredevils.
Legacy
Mathews is respected for his resilience and for the way he supported Sri Lanka through a period of transition. Because his career is long and continuing, this profile avoids exact career totals; readers should consult a live statistics source for the latest figures.
Frequently asked questions
Did Angelo Mathews captain Sri Lanka?
Yes. He captained Sri Lanka in all formats, including between 2013 and 2017.
What happened to Mathews at the 2023 World Cup?
He was given out timed out against Bangladesh in Delhi, the first such dismissal in international cricket.
What is Angelo Mathews’s bowling style?
He bowls right-arm medium pace.