“Dismissal at 199 is more painful”

By Bipin Dani

Sri Lankan batsman Angelo Mathews has joined the company of 12 other Test cricketers who were dismissed on 199 runs. The list also includes another Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya (against India at Colombo in 1997).   
Incidentally, Mathews had missed out on completing his maiden Test century against India in 2009 by a mere run, when he was run out. 

“It is more painful for any batsman missing that magical figure (200),” Mathews’ elder brother Trevin, who has also played cricket and is now a Coach said.   

“If a batsman loses his wicket at 99 it’s always a little painful, but it’s definitely more painful when he is out at 199.”
“Instead of hitting a big shot on the onside, my brother should have tried to run a short shot to enable him to run for a single...but what to do...It was not in his destiny on Monday,”Trevin added. 

Mathews’ father Tyronne, who has also played cricket, however termed the dismissal as “unfortunate.” 
“This all happens in the game. But we are not disappointed. Satisfied with his score of 199 runs,” Mathews senior said. 

This all happens in the game. But we are not disappointed. Satisfied with his score of 199 runs

There are two instances,of Kumar Sangakkara and Andy Flower,of batsmen stranded on 199 runs and there’s Martin Crowe who was out on 299 runs against Sri Lanka in a Wellington Test in 1991.  
He already had one unbeaten double century in a Test against Zimbabwe (at Harare in 2020).