Dimuth Karunaratne will retire from Test cricket after his 100th match against Australia, fulfilling a childhood dream. He has scored 7,172 runs in 99 Tests but has not reached a century in his last 25 innings. He intends to study coaching in Australia to continue contributing to Sri Lankan cricket in the future.
Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan opener, has announced that his 100th Test match against Australia will be his final appearance in the format. The 36-year-old player, who has been a mainstay of the Sri Lankan batting lineup for over a decade, expressed satisfaction with his cricketing journey, noting that he has not reached a century in his last 25 innings. He emphasized that playing in just one Test was his childhood dream and achieving a century of matches is a significant milestone for him.
Karunaratne, who has accumulated 7,172 runs across 99 Test matches, reflected on his journey in cricket, acknowledging the importance of recognizing the right moment to retire. He stated, “You have to take stock of things and make a call at the right time. I’m at peace with my decision.” Renowned for his steady demeanor and leadership abilities, he helped guide the Sri Lankan team during challenging times, including leading them to a historic Test series victory in South Africa in 2019.
In 2023, Karunaratne stepped down as captain to allow younger players to take on leadership roles, highlighting the emergence of talented youngsters ready to contribute to the team. He plans to travel to Australia to pursue coaching studies after his last match, expressing a desire to contribute to Sri Lankan cricket in a coaching capacity. Despite the team’s struggles in the ongoing series against Australia, where they suffered one of their worst defeats in Test history, Karunaratne’s legacy in the sport remains impactful.
Dimuth Karunaratne has been a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cricket, known for his reliability and leadership. His announcement marks the conclusion of a significant playing career, highlighted by his match against Australia, which signifies his farewell to Test cricket after reaching a significant milestone of 100 matches. His contributions as a captain during turbulent times were pivotal for the team’s development, making his departure a notable event in Sri Lankan cricket history.
As Dimuth Karunaratne prepares to conclude his Test career, he reflects on fulfilling his dream of playing at the highest level. His decision to retire after 100 Tests illustrates his recognition of the changing dynamics within the team, as he looks to mentor the next generation of cricketers. Karunaratne’s legacy will be remembered both for his batting achievements and his influential leadership in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
