Lakmal to retire after India tour

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 right-arm fast bowler also captained Sri Lanka in five Tests, the first of which came in the midst of a controversial ball-tampering episode in the West Indies that resulted in then-captain Dinesh Chandimal being suspended. 

After leading Sri Lanka to victory at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, the only instance an Asian team has won at that particular venue, Lakmal retained the captaincy for a home Test series against South Africa, adding two more wins to his credit. 

His unbeaten run was ended by the visiting English team in 2018, who beat Sri Lanka in both Tests, following which current skipper Dimuth Karunaratne took over. 
The team’s pace bowling spearhead in Tests in recent years, Lakmal picked up a majority of his wickets away from home, including all four of his career five-wicket hauls. 
His best figures came during Sri Lanka’s tour to the West Indies last year, taking 5 for 47 in the first Test of the series. 

In the second Test, he showed the remarkable discipline he become known for, bowling a spell of six consecutive maidens. 

Appearances in limited overs cricket has waned however, with the likes of Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara emerging to the forefront with the white ball. 
“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.”

• 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