Dimuth Karunaratne Set to Retire After 100th Test in Galle

Dimuth Karunaratne will retire from Test cricket after playing his 100th Test against Australia, where he has amassed 7,172 runs. His decision aims to allow younger players an opportunity in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Karunaratne, who served as captain in 30 Tests, reflects on his career with both pride and some regrets regarding unachieved milestones.

Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan opener, is set to retire from Test cricket following the second Test against Australia in Galle, marking his 100th Test appearance. At 36 years of age, he has accumulated 7,172 runs in his 99 Tests, placing him fourth among Sri Lanka’s top Test run-scorers, trailing only behind Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene. This match is pivotal for Sri Lanka as they seek to level the series after a significant defeat in the previous encounter and is also their last in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Karunaratne expressed his belief that the timing is appropriate for retirement, noting the emergence of several younger players ready to take over in the upcoming WTC cycle. He highlighted the significance of playing his final Test match in Galle, stating, “This match was in Galle, where I made my debut, so it will be nice to finish things there.”

During his tenure, Karunaratne captained Sri Lanka in 30 Tests from 2019 to 2023, achieving 12 victories. His leadership peaked during a memorable 2-0 series win in South Africa. Apart from his exceptional Test career, he also participated in 50 One-Day Internationals, with his latest appearance during the 2023 World Cup.

Since his debut in November 2012, Karunaratne has been notable for his consistent performance as an opener, ranking second only to Australia’s David Warner in Test runs among openers. Nonetheless, he has encountered challenges recently, averaging only 27.05 in 11 Tests since early 2024. He remarked on the formidable nature of reaching 100 Tests, stating, “If I have regrets, one of them would be not being able to get to 10,000 Test runs.” Karunaratne reflected on years where he felt close to this milestone but was hindered by the impact of Covid-19 and Sri Lanka’s reduced Test schedule.

Dimuth Karunaratne’s impending retirement from Test cricket highlights a significant moment in Sri Lankan cricket history. As a reliable opener and former captain, his contributions to the team have been substantial. His record of runs and leadership makes him one of Sri Lanka’s prominent cricket figures. The match against Australia is not only a personal milestone for Karunaratne but also pivotal for the team’s aspirations in the World Test Championship.

In conclusion, Dimuth Karunaratne’s decision to retire after his 100th Test embodies the transition within the Sri Lankan cricket team as younger players are poised to step in. Karunaratne’s impressive career statistics and impact as both a player and captain underline his legacy. His reflections on missed milestones evoke respect for his journey, emphasizing the challenges faced by athletes during tumultuous times like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

Leila Abdi

Leila Abdi is a seasoned journalist known for her compelling feature articles that explore cultural and societal themes. With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Master's in Sociology, she began her career in community news, focusing on underrepresented voices. Her work has been recognized with several awards, and she now writes for prominent media outlets, covering a diverse range of topics that reflect the evolving fabric of society. Leila's empathetic storytelling combined with her analytical skills has garnered her a loyal readership.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *