Angelo Davis Mathews is a prominent Sri Lankan cricketer born on June 2, 1987, in Colombo. Known for his versatile skills as an all-rounder, Mathews has been a key player for the Sri Lankan national team across all formats of the game. He has served as captain in all formats and played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20.
Mathews is recognized for his batting prowess, medium-pace bowling, and exceptional fielding abilities, making him one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable cricketers of his generation.
Personal Information
Full Name | Angelo Davis Mathews |
Date of Birth | June 2, 1987 |
Place of Birth | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
Nationality | Sri Lankan |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
Weight | 163 lb (74 kg) |
Eye Color | Black |
Hair Color | Black |
Angelo Mathews was born into a diverse family in Colombo, Sri Lanka. His father, Tyronne Mathews, is of Tamil descent, while his mother, Monica Mathews, is of Burgher heritage. This multicultural background has contributed to Mathews’ adaptability both on and off the cricket field.
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 163 pounds, Mathews has a strong, athletic build that suits his all-rounder role in cricket. His physical attributes, combined with his skills, have made him a formidable presence on the cricket field. Mathews’ Roman Catholic faith has been an important aspect of his personal life, influencing his values and character both as a player and a person.
Family Background
Father | Tyronne Mathews |
Mother | Monica Mathews |
Spouse | Heshani Silva |
Children | Son and Daughter |
Siblings | Trevin Mathew (Brother), Elaine Melinda (Sister) |
Angelo Mathews comes from a supportive family that has played a significant role in his cricketing journey. His father, Tyronne Mathews, was a cricket enthusiast who nurtured Angelo’s passion for the sport from a young age. His mother, Monica Mathews, has been a constant source of encouragement throughout his career.
Mathews is married to Heshani Silva, with whom he tied the knot on July 18, 2013, in a ceremony attended by former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse. The couple has been blessed with a son and a daughter, adding new dimensions to Mathews’ life beyond cricket.
His siblings, Trevin Mathew and Elaine Melinda, have also been part of his support system, contributing to his success both on and off the field.
Education
School | St. Joseph’s College, Colombo |
Higher Education | Will be updated soon |
Angelo Mathews received his formal education at St. Joseph’s College in Colombo, one of Sri Lanka’s premier educational institutions. This school has a rich history of producing talented cricketers, and Mathews is one of its most notable alumni. During his time at St. Joseph’s College, Mathews honed his cricketing skills, representing the school team and showcasing his potential as a future national player.
The discipline and values instilled during his school years have played a crucial role in shaping his character and approach to the game. While information about his higher education is not currently available, his cricketing career took precedence from a young age, leading him to focus on developing his skills on the field.
Career Milestones
Year | Achievement |
---|---|
2005 | Made List A debut for Sri Lanka Under-23s |
2006 | Captained Sri Lanka in U-19 Cricket World Cup |
2008 | Made ODI debut for Sri Lanka |
2009 | Made Test and T20I debuts for Sri Lanka |
2013 | Became Sri Lanka’s youngest Test captain at 25 |
2014 | Led Sri Lanka to victory in Asia Cup |
2014 | Part of the ICC World Twenty20 winning team |
2022 | Played 100th Test match for Sri Lanka |
Angelo Mathews’ cricket career has been marked by numerous significant milestones. He made his List A debut in 2005 for the Sri Lanka Under-23s team, showcasing his potential at a young age.
In 2006, he was entrusted with the captaincy of the Sri Lankan team for the U-19 Cricket World Cup, highlighting his leadership qualities early in his career. Mathews’ senior international career began in 2008 with his ODI debut, followed by Test and T20I debuts in 2009. His exceptional performances across all formats led to him becoming Sri Lanka’s youngest Test captain at the age of 25 in 2013.
Under his leadership, Sri Lanka achieved notable successes, including winning the Asia Cup in 2014 and the ICC World Twenty20 in the same year.
In 2022, Mathews reached a significant personal milestone by playing his 100th Test match for Sri Lanka, cementing his status as one of the country’s most experienced and valuable players.
Notable Performances
Match | Performance | Year |
---|---|---|
ODI vs Australia | 77* (132-run partnership for 9th wicket) | 2010 |
Test vs England | Century at Lord’s | 2014 |
ODI vs India | First ODI century (139*) | 2014 |
Test vs Zimbabwe | Maiden double century (200*) | 2020 |
World Cup vs England | Match-winning 85* | 2019 |
Throughout his career, Angelo Mathews has delivered several memorable performances that have left a lasting impact on Sri Lankan cricket. One of his most notable innings came in an ODI against Australia in 2010, where he scored an unbeaten 77 and formed a record 132-run partnership for the 9th wicket with Lasith Malinga, leading Sri Lanka to an improbable victory.
In Test cricket, Mathews’ century at Lord’s in 2014 was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s first-ever Test series win in England. He scored his maiden ODI century (139) against India in 2014, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. In 2020, Mathews reached a career milestone by scoring his first double century in Tests, an unbeaten 200 against Zimbabwe. During the 2019 World Cup, his match-winning knock of 85 against England demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stage. These performances highlight Mathews’ versatility and his crucial role in Sri Lanka’s successes across all formats of the game.
Awards and Recognition
Year | Award |
---|---|
2014 | Named in ICC World XI |
2015 | Wisden Cricketer of the Year |
2015 | Sri Lanka Cricket Cricketer of the Year |
2022 | ICC Men’s Player of the Month (May) |
Angelo Mathews’ contributions to cricket have been widely recognized through various awards and accolades. In 2014, his exceptional performances earned him a place in the ICC World XI, acknowledging his status as one of the best cricketers in the world that year.
The following year, he was named one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year, a prestigious honor in the cricket world that recognizes players who have had a significant impact on the game. In the same year, he was also awarded the Sri Lanka Cricket Cricketer of the Year, highlighting his importance to the national team.
More recently, in May 2022, Mathews was named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, a testament to his continued excellence and relevance in international cricket even in the later stages of his career. These awards reflect not only Mathews’ skill and performance on the field but also his consistency and value to Sri Lankan cricket over an extended period.
Financial Status
Net Worth | Approximately $5 Million |
Annual Income | Around $650,000 |
Test Match Fee | INR 6.3 Lakh |
ODI Match Fee | INR 4.6 Lakh |
Angelo Mathews has had a successful cricket career, which has translated into significant financial rewards. His estimated net worth is around $5 million, accumulated through his earnings from international cricket, domestic leagues, and endorsements.
Mathews’ annual income is reported to be approximately $650,000, reflecting his status as one of Sri Lanka’s top cricketers. His match fees for Test and ODI matches are substantial, with INR 6.3 Lakh for Tests and INR 4.6 Lakh for ODIs.
These figures highlight the financial benefits that come with being a top-level international cricketer. However, it’s important to note that these numbers can fluctuate based on performance, contracts, and other factors. Mathews’ financial success is a result of his consistent performances and longevity in international cricket, as well as his marketability as one of Sri Lanka’s most recognizable sports personalities.
Relationships
Relation | Name | Marriage Date |
---|---|---|
Spouse | Heshani Silva | July 18, 2013 |
Children | Son and Daughter | Will be updated soon |
Angelo Mathews’ personal life has been relatively stable, with his marriage to Heshani Silva being a significant milestone. The couple tied the knot on July 18, 2013, in a ceremony that was attended by many notable figures, including former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse.
This high-profile wedding underscored Mathews’ status as a prominent figure in Sri Lankan society. Since their marriage, Mathews and Heshani have been blessed with two children, a son and a daughter, although specific details about their names and birthdates are not currently available.
Mathews has managed to maintain a balance between his demanding cricket career and his family life, often crediting his family’s support for his success on the field. His role as a husband and father has added new dimensions to his life, potentially influencing his approach to cricket and his off-field persona.
Hobbies and Interests
Category | Details |
---|---|
Music | Listening to music |
Fitness | Regular workouts, fitness enthusiast |
Social Media | Active on Twitter and Facebook |
Social Welfare | Involved in “Little Hearts” project |
Beyond cricket, Angelo Mathews has a variety of interests that shape his life off the field. He is known to be a music enthusiast, often using music as a way to relax and unwind from the pressures of international cricket. Fitness is another major focus for Mathews, who maintains a rigorous workout routine to stay in top physical condition for his cricket career.
This dedication to fitness has helped him overcome injuries and maintain his performance levels over the years. Mathews is also active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, using these channels to connect with fans and share glimpses of his personal life.
In recent years, he has shown an interest in social welfare, particularly through his involvement with the “Little Hearts” project, which aims to build a Cardiac and Critical Care Complex at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo. This involvement in charitable work demonstrates Mathews’ commitment to giving back to his community and using his platform as a cricketer for social good.
Skills and Talents
Batting | Right-handed batsman, solid technique |
Bowling | Right-arm medium-fast |
Fielding | Excellent fielder, particularly in the outfield |
Leadership | Former captain in all formats |
Adaptability | Versatile player across all formats |
Angelo Mathews is renowned for his versatile skill set that makes him a valuable all-rounder in cricket. As a right-handed batsman, he possesses a solid technique and the ability to adapt his game to different situations, whether it’s building an innings in Test cricket or accelerating the scoring in limited-overs formats. His bowling, while not express pace, is effective medium-fast that can provide crucial breakthroughs. Mathews is particularly known for his ability to swing the ball, making him a handy option in various conditions.
In the field, he excels particularly in the outfield, where his athleticism and safe hands have resulted in many spectacular catches. Beyond these cricketing skills, Mathews has demonstrated strong leadership abilities, having captained Sri Lanka in all formats of the game.
His experience and tactical acumen make him a valuable presence on the field, even when not in a formal leadership role. Mathews’ adaptability across all formats of the game is perhaps his most valuable skill, allowing him to be a consistent performer for Sri Lanka in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Controversies
Year | Controversy |
---|---|
2017 | Stepped down as captain after ODI series loss to Zimbabwe |
2018 | Criticized for involvement in run-outs |
2021 | Considered retirement due to contract dispute |
2023 | ‘Timed out’ dismissal in World Cup match |
While Angelo Mathews has had a largely positive career, he has not been immune to controversies.
In 2017, he stepped down as captain of the Sri Lankan team following a surprising ODI series loss to Zimbabwe, which he described as one of the lowest points of his career. This decision sparked discussions about the state of Sri Lankan cricket and Mathews’ leadership. In 2018, Mathews faced criticism for his involvement in numerous run-outs, with the Sri Lankan coach at the time suggesting that Mathews had been involved in over 64 run-outs in two years, often resulting in his batting partners being dismissed.
This led to questions about his running between the wickets and his role in the team. In 2021, Mathews considered retiring from all forms of international cricket due to a contract dispute with Sri Lanka Cricket, highlighting the challenges faced by players in negotiating fair compensation.
Most recently, in the 2023 World Cup, Mathews was controversially dismissed ‘timed out’ in a match against Bangladesh, becoming the first player in international cricket history to be dismissed in this manner.
This incident sparked debate about the spirit of cricket and the application of the rules. Despite these controversies, Mathews has generally maintained a positive reputation and has continued to be a key player for Sri Lanka.
Public Image
Personality | Calm, professional, dedicated |
Role Model | Inspirational figure for young cricketers |
Media Presence | Active on social media, respected by journalists |
Brand Endorsements | Associated with several brands |
Philanthropy | Involved in charitable activities |
Angelo Mathews has cultivated a positive public image throughout his career, known for his calm demeanor and professional approach both on and off the field. His dedication to the sport and his consistent performances have made him a role model for young cricketers in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Mathews maintains an active presence on social media platforms, allowing fans to connect with him and get glimpses of his life beyond cricket. His interactions with the media have generally been positive, with journalists respecting his straightforward and honest approach to interviews.
As a high-profile cricketer, Mathews has been associated with several brand endorsements, although he tends to maintain a relatively low-key presence in advertising compared to some of his contemporaries. In recent years, Mathews has also been involved in philanthropic activities, particularly his support for the “Little Hearts” project, which has enhanced his public image as a socially conscious athlete.
Despite occasional controversies, Mathews’ overall public image remains that of a respected cricketer and a positive influence in Sri Lankan sports.
Legacy
Cricket Records | Holds several Sri Lankan cricket records |
Leadership | Led Sri Lanka to significant victories |
All-round Skills | One of Sri Lanka’s best all-rounders |
Inspiration | Role model for young Sri Lankan cricketers |
International Recognition | Respected figure in world cricket |
Angelo Mathews’ legacy in Sri Lankan cricket is significant and multifaceted. As one of the country’s most successful all-rounders, he holds several cricket records and has been a key player in many of Sri Lanka’s victories across all formats. His leadership, particularly in guiding the team to the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 victory, will be remembered as one of the high points of Sri Lankan cricket. Mathews’ ability to contribute with both bat and ball has set a benchmark for future all-rounders in the country.
His resilience in overcoming injuries and adapting his game has been inspirational for young cricketers. Beyond his on-field achievements, Mathews’ conduct and professionalism have earned him respect in the international cricket community. As he continues to play, Mathews is cementing his place as one of Sri Lanka’s cricket greats, with his impact likely to be felt in Sri Lankan cricket for years to come.
His journey from a young talent to a senior statesman of the game serves as a blueprint for aspiring cricketers in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Final Words on Angelo Mathews
Overall, Angelo Mathews stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished and versatile cricketers. His contributions as an all-rounder, leader, and role model have significantly impacted Sri Lankan cricket. From his early days as a prodigy to becoming a seasoned veteran, Mathews has consistently performed at the highest level, helping Sri Lanka achieve notable successes on the international stage.
His ability to adapt to different formats and situations, combined with his leadership skills, have made him a crucial player for Sri Lanka over the years.
Despite facing challenges and controversies, Mathews has maintained a positive reputation and continues to be a valuable asset to Sri Lankan cricket. His legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements, inspiring the next generation of cricketers and contributing to charitable causes. As Angelo Mathews continues his cricket journey, he remains an influential figure in the sport, both in Sri Lanka and on the global stage.