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Dimuth Karunaratne Retires After 100 Tests

Cricket
Sri Lankan cricketer Dimuth Karunaratne announces retirement after his 100th Test match against Australia.
Quick read: Dimuth Karunaratne, a veteran Sri Lankan cricketer, will retire after his 100th Test match against Australia. He cites limited red-ball opportunities and recent performance issues as reasons for his decision. Karunaratne has scored 7,172 runs since his debut in 2012 and plans to explore coaching after taking a break from cricket.

Retirement Announcement

Dimuth Karunaratne, a significant figure in Sri Lankan cricket, is set to conclude his Test career following his 100th match against Australia in Galle. At 36 years of age, Karunaratne has decided to retire due to a combination of limited opportunities in the format and recent challenges with his performance.

Reasons for Retirement

Karunaratne noted that Sri Lanka has only two Tests scheduled until May 2026, which he feels is inadequate for a player focused on Test cricket. His batting average has seen a decline to 27.05 over the past year, leading him to reflect on the timing of his retirement. He believes it is crucial for younger players to take their place as the team prepares for the next World Test Championship cycle. This match is particularly meaningful for him as it is being held in Galle, the same venue where he made his Test debut.

Career Highlights

Since his debut in November 2012 against New Zealand, Karunaratne has established himself as a key player for Sri Lanka, amassing 7,172 runs at an average just shy of 40, including 16 centuries. He has also captained the national team in 30 Tests, leading them to a notable series victory against South Africa in 2019. His contributions as an opener have been significant, marking him as one of the leading batsmen in Sri Lankan cricket history.

Future Aspirations

Upon retiring, Karunaratne plans to take a break from professional cricket but has expressed interest in potentially pursuing a coaching role in the future. He looks forward to exploring new opportunities after a lengthy and successful career in the sport.

Final Test Match

The upcoming Test against Australia will signify the end of Karunaratne's distinguished career. As he reflects on his journey, he acknowledges some regrets, such as not reaching the 10,000-run milestone and missing the chance to play in a World Test Championship final. However, he is proud to have been part of the exclusive group of players who have participated in 100 Test matches.

Published 1 week ago. Updated 1 week ago.
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