In a show of respect, Bangladesh players formed a guard of honour for Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews as he walked out to bat in his final Test.
Mathews, 38, made the gesture after Dinesh Chandimal was dismissed in the 52nd over of Sri Lanka’s opening innings.
In a symbolic and dignified acknowledgment of his contributions to the game, Bangladeshi players and match officials formed two lines to cheer the veteran cricketer as he took the field.
Before assuming his position at number four, Mathews, who was clearly moved, raised his hand in acknowledgment of the tribute to the Bangladeshi players.
After that, the players scattered to their fielding positions, enabling the game to continue.
Given the tense past between the two teams, especially the contentious timed-out incident involving Mathews during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, the display of respect was particularly noteworthy.
Mathews had come to the crease to bat in that incident, but he was timed out after calling for a replacement helmet strap after it broke.
The umpires upheld the appeal made by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, resulting in the first-ever timed-out dismissal in international cricket.
