The 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle got underway on Tuesday at the iconic Galle International Stadium, where Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first against hosts Sri Lanka in the opening Test of the two-match series.
The match holds special significance beyond just the cricketing stakes, as it marks the final appearance of Sri Lankan legend Angelo Mathews in Test cricket. A mainstay of Sri Lanka’s middle order for more than 15 years, the 38-year-old veteran bows out of the longest format with a remarkable record of 8,167 runs, placing him third on Sri Lanka’s all-time list behind only Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
Mathews, who made his debut in 2009, has played 118 Tests for his country and leaves behind a legacy defined by consistency, leadership, and crucial contributions in both home and away conditions. As Sri Lanka enter a transitional phase, his absence will undoubtedly be felt in the dressing room.
At the toss, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bat first, citing the dry nature of the surface and the advantage of batting early before the pitch begins to deteriorate. The Galle surface has traditionally favoured spinners later in the match, making a strong first-innings total crucial.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva, leading the side at the start of a WTC cycle for the first time, confirmed that he too would have preferred to bat first. He acknowledged that the surface appeared friendly for batting and expressed hope that Sri Lanka’s bowlers could extract assistance as the game progressed.
This Test marks the beginning of a new era for both teams. For Sri Lanka, the challenge lies in filling the void left by Mathews, while also aiming for a more consistent campaign after narrowly missing the final in the last WTC cycle. Several young players are expected to step up as the team looks to build a strong foundation from the outset.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are eager to carry forward the momentum from their improved performance in the previous WTC cycle, where they secured four wins—including three away victories. A solid start here would provide a significant morale boost and set the tone for their campaign.
The first ball is set to be bowled soon, with both teams eyeing an early advantage in what promises to be a closely fought series—and a memorable farewell for one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers.