Dimuth Karunaratne Announces Retirement from Test Cricket After 100th Match
Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne will retire from Tests after the second Test against Australia in Galle, marking his 100th match. He has scored 7,172 runs, ranking fourth among Sri Lankan Test run-scorers. Karunaratne noted the importance of this match for his career and emphasized the need for younger players in the team moving forward.
Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from Test cricket following the second Test against Australia in Galle, which will mark his 100th Test appearance. The 36-year-old has amassed 7,172 runs in 99 Test matches, securing his position as the fourth highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka, trailing behind renowned players such as Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene.
Karunaratne shared that this match is significant as it takes place in Galle, the venue of his debut, making it a fitting conclusion to his Test career. Reflecting on the future of Sri Lankan cricket, he stated, “It was the right time to go, considering there are three or four younger players who could come in for the next WTC cycle.”
Throughout his career, Karunaratne led Sri Lanka in 30 Test matches, achieving a balanced record of 12 victories and 12 losses, with a notable highlight being the victory in the 2-0 series win in South Africa. Additionally, he played 50 one-day internationals, participating recently in the 2023 World Cup, earning recognition as a diligent opener in the Test format.
His form has waned, averaging 27.05 across 11 Tests since early 2024. Karunaratne expressed pride in reaching 100 Tests, stating, “Playing 100 Tests is a tough thing to accomplish, especially when you’re an opening batter and you’re doing the dirty work for the team.” He regretted missing the chance to score 10,000 Test runs, attributing this to unforeseen challenges such as the Covid pandemic and a reduced frequency of matches for Sri Lankan cricket.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement from Test cricket is notable given his significant contributions as a prolific scorer and experienced opener for Sri Lanka. With a career spanning over a decade since his debut in November 2012, he has demonstrated consistent performance in the red-ball format. His leadership in the recent Test matches and the forthcoming World Test Championship, combined with the need for fresh talent in the squad, underlines the strategic decision for his retirement. Karunaratne’s achievements place him among Sri Lanka’s cricket elites, demonstrating his competitive spirit even amidst recent struggles with form. The context of his departure at Galle—his inaugural venue—further personalizes his retirement, accentuating both a notable endpoint to his journey and his dedication to the sport.
In conclusion, Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement after his 100th Test encapsulates his illustrious career as an opener and captain for Sri Lanka. His substantial contributions and the decision to pass the baton to younger players signify a thoughtful transition for the team. As he departs, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience and achievement in the honors of international Test cricket.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
