Dimuth Karunaratne will retire from Test cricket following his 100th Test against Australia in Galle, where he has scored 7,172 runs, making him Sri Lanka’s fourth all-time leading run-scorer. His retirement comes as the team prepares for the next World Test Championship cycle, and he has expressed a desire to allow younger players to step in. Throughout his career, Karunaratne has been a key performer for Sri Lanka and a significant leader in the squad.
Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan opener, has announced his retirement from Test cricket following his participation in the upcoming second Test against Australia in Galle. This match will mark his 100th Test appearance. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated an impressive total of 7,172 runs, placing him fourth on Sri Lanka’s all-time run-scorers list behind prominent cricketers such as Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene.
In light of his retirement, Karunaratne expressed that it is the appropriate time to step away, particularly with younger players poised to enter the team for the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. He also noted the significance of concluding his career at Galle, where he began it. The match serves as a crucial opportunity for Sri Lanka to equalize the series after a recent defeat.
Karunaratne captained the Sri Lankan team in 30 Tests from 2019 to 2023, achieving a balanced record with 12 victories and 12 losses. His captaincy was highlighted by a notable series win in South Africa. Beyond Tests, he participated in 50 one-day internationals, culminating in his recent appearance at the 2023 World Cup, but is renowned for his resilience as a Test opener.
While he has been a prolific scorer, ranking second only to Australia’s David Warner among openers since 2012, his recent form has faltered, averaging merely 27.05 in the past 11 Tests. Reflecting on his career, Karunaratne remarked on the challenges of reaching the 100-Test milestone, particularly as an opener handling the team’s early batting order. He expressed a degree of regret about not achieving the landmark of 10,000 Test runs, especially given his promising performance in the years preceding the pandemic.
Dimuth Karunaratne has been a significant figure in Sri Lankan cricket since his debut in November 2012. His contributions as an opener in Test matches have established him as one of the country’s leading run-scorers. The announcement of his retirement is especially poignant as it follows his 100th Test match, a milestone that signifies extensive dedication to the sport. Karunaratne’s leadership and performance have greatly influenced the Sri Lankan team throughout his career, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on international fixtures.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement from Test cricket at the conclusion of his 100th match marks the end of an influential chapter in Sri Lankan cricket. His impressive run total and leadership as captain highlight his significant contributions to the team. Moving forward, Karunaratne leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of cricketers. As Sri Lanka looks to the future, the introduction of younger players aligns with his sentiment of timely retirement.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
