Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s opening batsman, will retire from Test cricket after his 100th Test match against Australia in Galle. He has scored 7,172 runs in 99 Tests and captained the team between 2019 and 2023. Karunaratne expressed that it is the right time to retire as younger players emerge and reflected on his career regrets regarding reaching 10,000 Test runs.
Dimuth Karunaratne, the renowned opener for Sri Lanka, will retire from Test cricket following the second Test against Australia in Galle. This match marks his 100th Test appearance. Over the course of his career, the 36-year-old left-hander accumulated 7,172 runs, placing him fourth on Sri Lanka’s all-time Test run-scorers list. His decision to retire comes at a time when Sri Lanka is looking to integrate younger players into the team for the future.
Karunaratne noted that the timing of his retirement is appropriate, as Sri Lanka enters a new cycle of the World Test Championship and he believes younger talent should have the opportunity to shine. The Galle Test holds sentimental value for him, being the venue of his debut game, adding a personal touch to his farewell.
As captain between 2019 and 2023, Karunaratne led Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, achieving a balanced record of 12 wins and 12 losses. His most notable achievement as captain was a 2-0 series victory in South Africa. Additionally, he has participated in 50 One-Day Internationals, showcasing versatility, though he is best recognized for his solid performances in Test cricket.
Having debuted in November 2012, Karunaratne trails only Australia’s David Warner in terms of Test runs scored by openers. Despite his impressive statistics, his form waned recently, reflected in an average of 27.05 over the last 11 Tests since the onset of 2024. He expressed some regret regarding not reaching the milestone of 10,000 Test runs, attributing it to the disruption caused by COVID-19 and the limited number of Test matches played by Sri Lanka in recent years.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement from Test cricket marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Sri Lankan cricket history. As one of the premier openers, his contributions over the years have solidified his status among the greats. His performance on the international stage, particularly during the World Test Championship cycles, has highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging talent within the team as the sport evolves.
In summary, Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement after his 100th Test is a notable event, reflecting both his personal journey and the shifting dynamics of the Sri Lankan cricket team. His extensive run tally and leadership have left a remarkable legacy, paving the way for younger players to take on leadership roles as they approach future challenges in the cricketing arena.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
