Lakmal bids adieu

Former Test captain Suranga Lakmal will retire from all forms of international cricket after Sri Lanka’s tour of India starting this month.

The veteran of 68 Tests and 86 ODI games, who is also Sri Lanka’s fourth highest wicket taker in the longest format, is reportedly eyeing a stint in county cricket after international retirement.

The left-arm fast bowler also captained Sri Lanka in five Tests, winning the first three – one in the West Indies and two at home to South Africa – before being replaced by Dimuth Karaunaratne following a 2-0 series defeat to England in 2018.

“I’m indebted to Sri Lanka Cricket for giving me this astonishing opportunity and having faith in me to bring back my mother land honour as it has been absolute pleasure to be associated with the board that shaped my professional life and also enriched my personal development,” Lakmal was quoted as saying in a Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) media statement. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for all my players, coaches, team managers, support staff, administrative staff and all other supportive staff.”