Mathews' gripes aren't new. Sri Lanka Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva banged the drum earlier this year ahead of their two-Test series against Australia. But it's notable that a player with 118 Tests under his belt speaks up, after all, how many more Sri Lankans will realistically have the opportunity of matching that milestone?

Sri Lanka are set to begin a two-Test series against Bangladesh in Galle on Tuesday that will mark the end of Angelo Mathews's "dream run" in the game's longest format, as the cricket season resumed following South Africa's World Test Championship triumph at Lord's.

Sri Lanka will hope to give Mathews a fitting send-off with a win and possibly a farewell century. The squad reflects a blend of experience and foresight, with an 18-member group named for the opener. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, the in-form Pathum Nissanka, Chandimal, and Mathews will anchor the batting, while Kusal Mendis takes the gloves.