By Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s esteemed opening batsman and former Test captain, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, with the second Test against Australia in Galle marking his 100th and final appearance.
Karunaratne made his Test debut at the same venue in 2012 against New Zealand. Over his 13-year career, he has amassed 7,172 runs, including 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries, making him Sri Lanka’s most prolific opening batsman and placing him fourth on the country’s all-time Test run list.
Reflecting on his decision, the 36-year-old stated, “It was the right time to go, considering there are three or four younger players who could come in for the next World Test Championship cycle.” He also expressed a desire to pursue coaching after a brief hiatus from the game.
Karunaratne will become the seventh Sri Lankan cricketer to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches, joining the ranks of legends such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Kumar Sangakkara.
