Galle: For former Sri Lankan captain and veteran player Angelo Mathews, the second Test of the series to be played against Pakistan from Sunday is going to be personally important. This will be the 100th Test of his career. Matthews will become the sixth Sri Lankan cricketer to complete a hundred in Test matches. Before him Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Sanath Jayasuriya have achieved this feat.

Career affected by injuries

The career of 35-year-old Angelo Mathews has been badly hit by injuries. Despite this, he is going to achieve the special achievement of playing 100 Test matches. In such a situation, Mathews has told that he takes inspiration from England’s fast bowler James Anderson. Inspired by them, he has been able to reach this point.

Also Read: Olly Stone signs Nottinghamshire deal

Anderson is his inspiration

Mathews said, “James Anderson is my source of inspiration. Despite being a fast bowler, he is playing Test cricket at the age of 40 and wants to continue playing for another couple of years. Next week Anderson will celebrate his 40th birthday. These kinds of things keep you connected to the game. All this is not going to end here. I also have a few more years of cricket left in me.

Also Read: Bengal And Lahore Qalandars To Participate in T20I s

Angelo Mathews also admitted that the burden of cricket has been on his body in recent years. He will keep working on his fitness and form. “Age is just a statistic and I want to give my best in all three formats.

Angelo Mathews has scored 6,876 runs in 99 Tests played so far

Mathews is basically a middle order batsman and medium pace bowler. However, due to injuries, he bowls very less now. Angelo Mathews has scored 6,876 runs in 99 Tests he has played since making his Galle debut against Pakistan in 2009. Angelo Mathews said, I have not stopped bowling in ODIs and T20 matches. But when you play Test matches in the sub-continent, my method of bowling doesn’t work.

Also Read: The Former England Batsman Appointed Head Coach Of Afghanistan

Sri Lanka Cricket requested to organize more test matches

Angelo Mathews has requested Sri Lanka Cricket to organize more and more Test matches. “I give preference to Test cricket. If more Test matches are organized then it is a good thing. The world’s greatest players want to play more Test cricket. But unfortunately we have only 7 Tests to play in the next 18 months. Hope Sri Lanka Cricket will try to organize more Test matches.